K-pop sensation THE BOYZ is set to continue their journey as a nine-member group after signing a fresh collective contract.
Sources close to THE BOYZ revealed on Thursday that members Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric have unanimously agreed to maintain their group activities. The nine have finalized a new contract to solidify their commitment.
The group will operate under a newly established label, with specific plans to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Industry insiders report that the members prioritized their fans, affectionately known as The B, in their decision-making process. The group reportedly engaged in deep deliberations, putting their supporters’ concerns and long wait at the forefront of their considerations.
While pursuing individual ventures in acting, music, and broadcasting through separate agency contracts, the members have devised a collaborative system. This setup will allow their respective agencies to work in tandem with the new label when group activities arise, ensuring a seamless balance between solo and team commitments.
In a joint statement, the members expressed that its resolve to stay together as nine has never wavered. It felt compelled to reassure the fans, who have anxiously awaited news of THE BOYZ’s future. As they each strive for excellence in the individual pursuits, they’re equally committed to cherishing and building upon the precious bond they’ve formed with The B as THE BOYZ.
They added that they’re profoundly grateful for the unwavering support from the fans. Rest assured, it’s working tirelessly to exceed the expectations.
This announcement comes in the wake of a contract dispute with their former agency, IST Entertainment (formerly known as Cre.ker Entertainment). In February, nine members notified the agency of their intent to terminate their contracts and sought a court injunction to suspend said contracts. The Seoul Central District Court ruled in their favor in April. Notably, New, the tenth member, did not participate in these legal proceedings and is consequently not part of the new group contract.
THE BOYZ burst onto the K-pop scene in December 2017 with their debut mini-album THE FIRST and its title track “Boy.” Their discography has since expanded to include chart-toppers like “Reveal,” “The Stealer,” “Thrill Ride,” “Watch It,” and “Trigger.”
Despite the ongoing legal battle, the nine members demonstrated their commitment to the group and their fans by holding a solo concert series titled INTER-ZECTION at Seoul’s KSPO Dome from April 24 to 26.