The long-running legal battle between former “Fantasy Boys” winner Yu Junwon and his former agency Phunky Studio has ended in a ruling against the idol.
According to Star News, the Seoul Central District Court’s 31st Civil Division held a ruling hearing on October 8th for the 3.00 billion won (about $2.24 million USD) compensation lawsuit filed by Phunky Studio against Yu Junwon, and ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
The court confirmed that Yu Junwon must compensate Pocketdol Studio, Phunky Studio’s parent company, 685 million won (about $511,000 USD).
The dispute traces back to 2023, when Yu Junwon placed first on MBC’s audition program “Fantasy Boys” and was confirmed as part of the debut lineup. Conflicts arose over requests to increase profit shares and unauthorized team departures. Yu filed for a provisional injunction to suspend his exclusive contract with Phunky Studio, which the court rejected.
Phunky Studio had stated that since Yu lost the injunction case, holding fan meetings or events without their knowledge was a clear contract violation. Yu’s side countered that he only signed a broadcast appearance contract related to the show and never a formal exclusive contract.
Meanwhile, new agency CONTI announced it had signed an exclusive contract with Yu Junwon in March, with plans for him to debut as a member of an upcoming boy group. CONTI said it had thoroughly reviewed the legal disputes with its legal representatives and confirmed there were no legal problems affecting his future activities.
