Teen Top member L. Joe has reportedly requested to have his contract with TOP Media terminated, less than a year ahead of its original expiry date.
According to Soompi, L. Joe's contract will not expire until Jan. 2018, but the singer has requested to terminate his contract as soon as possible as his contract with TOP Media is reportedly interfering with his solo activities. He further alleged that the agency abused its power, thus breaking the trust between the TOP Media and L. Joe.
The dispute between TOP Media and L. Joe began in October 2016, around the time when the singer was discussing his contract renewal with the agency. It was said that when L. Joe expressed his desire to pursue a solo career, the agency reportedly limited his activities and delayed his solo activities.
On the other hand, TOP Media explained that L. Joe did not fulfill his obligations under the contract, particularly due to the fact that he did not communicate properly with the production company of a drama that was in negotiations to cast him, Koreaboo reported. Although the production company had offered L. Joe a good role and commensurate salary, L. Joe still refused to talk to the agency.
Since he filed for contract termination, L. Joe has kept his Instagram account private after deleting photos of his memories with Teen Top. He also explained his decision through Teen Top's official fan café. He apologized to fans about making them worry, and that the decision also saddens him.
Meanwhile, TOP Media is positive that things will be resolved with L. Joe. The agency said that although the singer has requested to have his contract terminated, he still has several months left on his contract. The agency hopes that he will continue to promote as long as his contract subsists. Teen Top is scheduled to have a comeback this March.
