(OSEN)

Kris, a former member of K-pop group EXO, claimed the contract with SM Entertainment is “illegal” at the first hearing on Wednesday at the Seoul District Court.

The singer’s attorney highlighted that the contract term was 10 years after the debut, which is too long and thus “restricts freedom,” calling it “an antisocial and illicit act.”

He further explained the company had treated him only as a “part of a machine,” only feeding him unhealthy fast foods.
SM Entertainment, however, refuted the claim, saying the contract was based on the standard form of Korea’s Fair Trade Commission.

In a bid to nullify the contract, Kris had previously filed a suit against his former label. Two other Chinese members of the group -- Tao and Lu han ? also filed separate suits at a Chinese court for the same reasons.

SM Entertainment, in return, filed a suit against the three, claiming that they appeared on TV ads without permission while still being under a contract with the agency.

By Ko Ji-seon (jiseonko@heraldcorp.com)