Apink, GOT7 “No disbandment” despite different agencies

Ahead of contract renewal, idol fans are often anxious that the group will disband or that they will not be able to see the group as a whole in the future. The contract period between a celebrity and an entertainment company based on the Celebrity Standard Contract is at least 7 years. This is because many groups disbanded after this period. However, recently, there have been several cases where all members continue their activities as a group even if their contracts are not renewed.

First, of Apink's five members, Eun-ji Jeong signed a new contract with IST Entertainment. On the 28th, IST reported, "In order to achieve new growth for each member and each other, Park Cho-rong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Nam-joo, and Oh Ha-young will end their beautiful togetherness that has lasted for 12 years since their debut at the end of April."

Regarding Jung Eun-ji, who will continue their relationship, he said, "I plan to greet you not only through my singing career, but also through my next work as soon as possible, and I will continue to support you so that you can stand out in various activities in the future."

Except for Jeong Eun-ji, Park Cho-rong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Nam-ju, and Oh Ha-young found a new home at Choi Creative Lab. Choi Creative Lab is a company created by Choi Shin-gyu, founder of Son Goku and CEO of Choi Creative Lab, a character licensing company, and Jong-wan Kang, former director of DSP Entertainment. Director Kang Jong-wan is the person who oversaw the production and management of everything from Fly to the Sky to Brown Eyed Girls and Kara.

Although Apink is torn in two, team activities continue. IST said, "As all members have a firm will and affection for the group's activities, we promised to maintain team activities without disbanding." Choi Creative Lab also announced, “We will continue to cooperate with IST Entertainment regarding Apink’s future activities.” Regardless of whether or not the contract is renewed, fans will be able to see Apink's full activities without difficulty.

GOT7, whose contract with JYP Entertainment expired in 2021, dispersed. However, they are still active under the name ‘GOT7’. Although they each work for different agencies, they released their mini album 'GOT7' last year. 'GOT7' is an album that contains GOT7's sincerity for those who have waited and for everyone who is with them, so as not to forget who and what they are. I can feel the will to participate in activities as a whole.

There are cases where all members do not renew their contracts with their existing agency but transfer to another agency and continue their activities. After the expiration of the exclusive contract with YG, the group iKON members all signed exclusive contracts with 143 Entertainment. Thanks to YG's consideration, iKON was able to continue using the team name 'iKON'. Member Jinhwan appeared on the YouTube channel 'ESQUIRE Korea' and confessed his feelings, saying, "I think it's important that the six of us are together no matter where our agency is. I want to focus on that." iKON is scheduled to release its first album 'TAKE OFF' after moving to 143 Entertainment on the 4th of next month.

In addition, you can often hear news about the activities of long-running idols such as God, Shinhwa, and Girls' Generation. The idol version's formula of '7 years of evil' and '7 years of jinx' is starting to be broken.

Ten Asia Reporter Kim Seo-yoon seogugu@tenasia.co.kr