iKON parts ways with YG Entertainment
South Korean boy band iKON is leaving YG Entertainment, the agency announced on Dec. 30.
In a statement, YG Entertainment said it ended iKON's exclusive contract following its expiration, after a "long discussion" with members Kim Jinhwan, Kim "Bobby" Ji-won, Song Yunhyeong, Goo "Ju-ne" Junhoe, Kim "DK" Donghyuk, and Jung "Chan" Chanwoo.
"The six members of iKON will of course be continuing their activities as the group 'iKON' in the future," the agency said in its statement, as reported by Hallyu news outlet Soompi.
The sextet will also continue communicating with its fans, dubbed as iKONIC, via social media and fan community Weverse, YG Entertainment added.
The label thanked iKON, saying it will be cheering the group on. It also urged the iKONIC to continue giving members their "unchanging interest and encouragement as they prepare for a new start."
iKON was originally formed as a septet in 2015, with Kim "B.I." Han-bin. B.I. left the group and YG Entertainment in 2019.
The group went to the country last Sept. 23 for the K-pop Masterz Ep. 2 event, alongside ATEEZ and GOT7’s Youngjae.
YG Entertainment houses the likes of BLACKPINK, Big Bang, Winner, and Treasure. Its former artists include 2NE1, PSY, and Big Bang's T.O.P and Daesung.
