It was revealed on the 3rd that the former agency of Chinese actress Ju Jingyi (鞠婧禕), Shanghai Siba Culture Media Group (Siba Media), has sued Ju Jingyi and the production company of the drama "Wan Hua Shi Jie", which is currently being filmed, citing "unfair competition". The case has been accepted by a Shanghai court, and the hearing is scheduled for the 29th.

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Behind this lawsuit is a long-standing contractual dispute. The point of contention is the "supplementary exclusive management contract" allegedly signed in 2018. Siba Media claims that the term of the exclusive management contract, signed in 2013 and set to expire in June 2024, was extended until 2033 by this supplementary contract. However, Ju Jingyi's side denies the validity of the supplementary contract itself, pointing out the possibility that the signature on the contract may have been forged, thus the claims of both sides are in direct opposition.

"Wan Hua Shi Jie"
To date, Siba Media has filed multiple lawsuits not only against Ju Jingyi herself, but also against third parties such as magazine publishers that featured Ju Jingyi, brands that signed advertising contracts, and drama production companies. Some cases were withdrawn just before their opening, leading to accusations of abuse of litigation rights among legal professionals.

The prolonged contractual disputes are also influencing a reevaluation of the contract system itself within the Chinese entertainment industry. Legal professionals have pointed out that contractual disputes between entertainers and agencies should not spill over to third parties, such as production companies or the distribution rights of works. The China Association of Performing Arts is currently advancing the formulation of a "Model Entertainment Management Contract," and considerations are being made to set certain restrictions on contract terms and penalty fees.

"Wan Hua Shi Jie"
Even amidst these ongoing legal troubles, Ju Jingyi's entertainment career continues to thrive. After the termination of her contract with the agency, she has successively secured new major advertising contracts, and acting offers continue to pour in. In April, just before the distribution of her starring drama "Yuelin Qiji" was set to begin, allegations of tax evasion were made, raising concerns about the impact on the work, but the drama was successfully distributed until its final episode.

Meanwhile, the new drama "Wan Hua Shi Jie," currently in production, is entering a new phase as its production company has become the target of a lawsuit. Attention from within and outside the industry is focused on how this lawsuit will affect the drama's production, future distribution plans, and even Ju Jingyi's own activities.