The 7-year curse of K-pop groups disbanding after 7 years seems to have gone with the wind. the increasing autonomy in the entertainment industry has given K-pop artists the freedom to continue their passion despite contract terminations. This new breeze also enables the artists to explore and test their skills and abilities in different environments. Over the last quarter, several K-pop stars have switched agencies. Some like Jessi, GOT 7’s Youngjae, VIXX’s Ken, Davichi, and VAV band have also left their agencies but are yet to officially announce their latest agencies. Here are some K-pop stars who have confirmed their switched agencies.
1. BBGIRLS (Brave Girls)
Famously known as Brave Girls, this girl group has decided to rebrand to BBGIRLS amidst a change of agencies and member reorganization. The band debuted in 2011 under Brave Entertainment agency, managed by Warner Music Korea, as Brave Girls. On April 27, the girl band officially did not renew their contract with Warner Music Korea and announced their new journey under BB GIRLS company. The band also stated that the band will be operating as a 3-member group after YuJeong’s departure.
2. SHINee’s Onew & Taemin
After 16 years at SM Entertainment, SHINee’s Taemin has finally changed agencies. On April 1, Big Entertainment agency took to its social media to announce that Taemin has finally joined their family. SHINee’s Onew followed suit two days later. On April 3, Griffin Entertainment announced that it had signed an exclusive contract with Onew. SHINee’s Minho and Key decided to renew their contract with SM Entertainment as members and solo artists as well.
3. VIXX’s Leo
As of March 5, VIXX’s Leo officially left Jellyfish Entertainment after 12 years. Leo switched agencies and signed with Big Boss Entertainment which manages stars like Lee Jong Hyuk and Go Kyu Pil. VIXX’s Ken, who left Jellyfish Entertainment alongside Leo on March 4 is yet to reveal his new agency.
4. LOONA’s Yves
After parting ways with BlockBerry Creative in 2023, alongside other band members, LOONA’s YVES signed a contract with PAIX PER MIL on March 14. PAIX PER MIL label is run by producer MILLIC. Yves debuted as a member of LOONA girl band in 2017.
5. Sam Kim
After a decade of working with Antenna agency, Sam Kim left the agency in March 2024. Apparently, the singer had already signed a contract with Big Planet Made agency back in January 2024. Big Planet Made agency houses legends like Soyu and Heo Gak.
6. Kim Woo Seok
After a decade at TOP Media, singer and actor Kim Woo Seok has finally found a new agency. On March 5, the UP10TION boy band member signed an exclusive contract with Blitzway agency which manages several A-list actors including Ji Hoon and Jung Ryeo Won.
7. Former Wonder Girls’ Hyerim
After over 3 years with rrr Entertainment agency, having switched from JYP Entertainment which represented the former Wonder Girls band, Hyerim has finally found an agency to call home. On January 2, 2024, the former Wonder Girls’ member confirmed she had joined Wave Entertainment which houses several foreigners including Eva Popiel and Christina Confalonieri.
We would like to wish each one continued success with their new agencies!
—-Makena Mwenda
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