[News] Ex-Super Junior member Han Geng free from legal quagmire?

[News] Ex-Super Junior member Han Geng free from legal quagmire?
Cr. - http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Chinese singer-actor Han Geng , formerly from K-pop boy band Super Junior , can put his legal troubles behind him, for now at least.

A joint press statement released on Monday by the legal representatives of Han and his former employers, SM Entertainment, said that the contract dispute between Han and SM Entertainment has been settled amicably, reported Chinese media.

"Han Geng and SM Entertainment have arrived at a satisfactory settlement.

"After discussions, Hang Geng has decided to withdraw his lawsuit against SM Entertainment," the statement said.

"Han Geng will continue his present activities in China but there are no concrete plans for activities in Korea."

"According to the terms of the agreement signed by both parties, the details of the agreement cannot be publicised. [We] hope the various media will understand."

Interestingly, the statement made no mention about whether Han is still contracted to SM Entertainment.

Industry observers say this relatively ambiguous outcome benefits both parties, as Han Geng's showbiz career will no longer be bogged down by a protracted legal tussle, and SM Entertainment gets to avoid any potential negative publicity even if the case does not go their way.

Han took SM Entertainment to court in 2009 over what he described as "extremely stressful work schedules", "unfair monetary penalties for breach of contract", and his "unreasonably long" 13-year contract with his former employer.

Han asked to terminate his contract with SM Entertainment, and the motion was granted by Korean courts in 2010, which declared that his contracts with SM Entertainment were not binding.

However, SM Entertainment appealed against the decision and continued to contest Han's claims until they arrived at an agreement this month.