Bae Yong-joon's agency denies signing Kim Hyun-joong

Published on 2010/06/08 | Source

Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong [Asia Economic Daily]

Bae Yong-joon's agency KEYEAST has denied recent rumors that they have signed with singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong.

In a phone call with Asia Economic Daily on Monday, an official at KEYEAST dismissed such reports as "groundless" and said that they "have not signed with Kim Hyun-joong".

Several media reports had claimed that Kim, whose contract with agency DSP Entertainment expired yesterday, signed an exclusive management contract with Bae's agency.

Last month, it was reported that Kim and Bae had a private meeting, which some people thought hinted at their future partnership. At the time, DSP downplayed the rumor, saying it was only a personal meeting between Kim and Bae, a close friend and mentor figure to the young star.

There was even talk that the pop idol was likely to sign with an agency which recently signed on three TVXQ members -- Hero Jaejoong, Xiah Junsu and Park Yoo-chun -- who are currently embroiled in a legal battle with major talenthouse SM Entertainment.

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 Koo Hye-sun.