Check out some of the groups that, in 2024, announced that they would be leaving their agencies to start a new journey
In addition to numerous debuts that marked the year, such as BABYMOSNTER, TWS, ILLIT and others, the year 2024 also featured a series of announcements from k-pop groups that chose to leave their original companies — but without meaning that this it would be the end of training.
With this in mind, RECREIO separated a list of 5 groups that announced the departure of their companies in 2024. Check it out!
1. NewJeans
On November 28, NewJeans made its departure from ADOR and HYBE official during a press conference after the companies failed to respond to its demands within the stipulated deadline. It is worth remembering that the relationship between the group and the agencies had been shaken for some time, since the beginning of the conflict between HYBE and Min Hee Jinformer CEO of ADOR.
During the press conference, the members stated that “ADOR does not have the will or ability to protect NewJeans. If we remain here, it will be a waste of time, and our mental anguish will continue. More than anything, there is nothing we can gain in terms of our work, so the five of us feel that there is no reason at all to stay at ADOR.” Currently, the girl group remains active as independent artists.
2. fromis_9
Also in November, PLEDIS Entertainment issued a statement announcing that, following the end of their contracts on December 31, 2024, all eight members of fromis_9, Lee Sae Rom, Song Ha Young, Park Ji Won, Roh Ji Sun, Lee Seo Yeon, Lee Chae Young, Lee Na Gyung and Baek Ji Heonwould be leaving the company.
As a farewell, the group released the special digital single “from”, a track dedicated to their fans that expresses the artists’ gratitude to their fandom, Flover. In a statement, the singers said: “We poured our hearts into writing this song as a letter to Flover. We hope our sincerity reaches you and warms your hearts this winter.” So far, there is no information about the continuation of the group’s activities.
3. Rocket Punch
Since leaving Takahashi Juri As of May 2024, Rocket Punch performs as a five-piece. However, on December 27, Woollim Entertainment announced the end of the contracts of four more members of the girl group on December 31: Yeonhee,Yunkyoung, Sohee and Dahyun.
With the artists leaving, Suyun became the only member of the girl group still under contract with Woollim. For now, no information has yet been released about the future of Rocket Punch’s activities.
4. Golden Child
On the same day, Woollim Entertainment also announced the end of the contracts of another group: Golden Child. In a statement, the company explained that, after discussions, Lee Daeyeol, Y, Bae Seungmin, Bong Jaehyun and Kim Donghyun decided to end their contracts with the agency on December 31.
It is worth remembering that, in August 2024, Bomin, Tag and Jibeom had also left the company. Now, only Lee Jangjun and Hong Joochan remain under contract with the agency. There is no information about the boy group’s future activities.
5. THE BOYZ
After numerous rumors, in early December, IST Entertainment announced that THE BOYZ members Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Haknyeon, Sunwoo and Eric would be leaving the company with the end of their contracts.
Despite this, the artists decided to remain together, with all 11 members signing with the company ONE HUNDRED to continue with their activities. According to IST Entertainment, the rights to the brand “THE BOYZ” were provided free of charge to members, allowing them to freely use the name for group or unit activities.
Read also: #FavoritosDaRecreio: Our favorite k-pop debuts of 2024
Source: Recreio
