In a recent revelation, former TVXQ member Kim Junsu opened up about the challenges he faced after being silently blacklisted by SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment companies. The ban led him to pivot his career, transitioning from a renowned K-pop idol to a successful musical actor.

Junsu's candid discussion took place during his appearance on the YouTube channel "Neighborhood Friend Kangnam." The two stars, both 36 years old, shared a light-hearted conversation, during which Kangnam inquired about Junsu's decision to delve into musicals. Junsu responded by shedding light on the constraints he faced due to the broadcast ban imposed by SM Entertainment. He remarked, "I couldn't do broadcast (at the time), so it was like the hilt of the sword that was like the last thing left for me (to do). Therefore, I think I worked harder and immersed myself more into it."

The root of the ban traces back to 2009 when Junsu, along with Kim Jaejoong and Park Yoochun, collectively known as JYJ, filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment over an unfair contract. The trio emerged victorious in 2012, but the aftermath saw them being unofficially blacklisted from South Korean television, a move believed to be orchestrated by SM Entertainment. This silent "blacklisting" tactic reportedly involved the company leveraging its other popular artists to deter broadcasters from featuring JYJ.

Despite the challenges, Junsu and Jaejoong continued to promote their music in Japan. Their prominence in Korea, however, took a hit due to the ban. It wasn't until 2015 that the "JYJ law" was enacted, prohibiting broadcasting entities from denying artists' appearances based on third-party requests. Yet, Junsu's return to terrestrial broadcasting only materialized in 2019, a decade after the ban, when he featured on MBC's "House of Sharing."

During this tumultuous period, Junsu not only promoted with Jaejoong as JYJ but also concentrated on his solo career under the moniker Xia. His foray into musical theater saw him take on roles in acclaimed productions like "Mozart!" (2010), "Elisabeth" (2012), "Dracula" (2014), "Death Note" (2015), and "Xcalibur" (2019). In 2021, marking a new chapter in his career, Junsu parted ways with C-JeS Entertainment, his agency of over 12 years, to establish his own company, Palmtree Island.

Junsu's journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for music and the arts. Despite the hurdles, he has continued to shine, earning accolades and love from fans worldwide.

Copyright © 2023 Kpop Reporter. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.