Kang Daniel wins appeal in Genie Music damages lawsuit

The Seoul High Court has ruled in favor of singer Kang Daniel, overturning a previous decision in a damages lawsuit filed by Genie Music. The lawsuit sought approximately KRW 710 million (about USD 520,000) following a revenue shortfall from a concert contract signed in June 2022.

The original agreement, valued at KRW 2.2 billion, required performances both domestically and abroad. When revenue failed to meet the target, Genie Music claimed contractual obligations were unfulfilled. While a lower court had previously held Kang Daniel’s former agency, KONNECT Entertainment, liable for roughly KRW 400 million due to insufficient promotion, the appeals court has now cleared both Kang Daniel and the agency of the obligation to pay damages.

The court noted that Kang Daniel had faithfully fulfilled his performance obligations and found it difficult to hold him personally responsible for the revenue deficit. Additionally, the court observed that Genie Music raised the issue several months after the contract ended without requesting the additional performances stipulated in the agreement to make up the shortfall.