[News][2010.05.06] Local agencies eager to sign on SS501 Kim Hyun-joong

SS501 member Kim Hyun-joong [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

[News][2010.05.06] Local agencies eager to sign on SS501 Kim Hyun-joong

Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong is reportedly keeping local talent agencies on their toes as his contract nears its expiration date with DSP Entertainment next month.

The singer has become the hottest recruit in the entertainment business as he will be a free agent when his contract with agency DSP Entertainment expires on June 8.

Although Kim is currently preparing to release a new album with his group SS501 later this month, he has not renewed his contract with DSP and many agencies are said to be silently wooing him.

There is even talk among Kim's sources and industry officials that he is very likely to sign with an agency which recently signed on three TVXQ members -- Hero Jaejoong, Xiah Junsu and Micky Yoochun -- who are currently embroiled in a legal battle with major talenthouse SM Entertainment.

Experts explained that the partnership between Kim and TVXQ members will prove beneficial to everyone involved since all four are popular in Japan and throughout Asia, and have similar plans for their music and acting careers in the future.

Another rumor circulating in the industry is that Kim recently had a private meeting with Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, which might lead to his signing with Bae's agency KEYEAST.

DSP downplayed the rumor, however, saying it was just a private meeting between Kim and Bae, a close friend and mentor figure to the young star.

Kim, 23, is the leader of boy band SS501, one of the most successful K-pop acts in Asia since their debut in 2005. The singer has also done some acting work, most notably in the smash hit drama "Boys Over Flowers" last year alongside actors Lee Min-ho and Ku Hye-sun.

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
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SS501 contract with DSP will end at 8 June 2010, 2 days after wuri Hyun Joong's birthday. Guess a lot of people are counting down to these 2 dates.....