K-Pop Groups EXO, BLACKPINK, and BTOB: Keeping the Team Spirit Alive in Individual Ventures
K-Pop groups are embracing a strategy of 'together yet apart' in their activities. Recently, BTOB, EXO, and BLACKPINK have announced their intentions to pursue individual activities while coming together for group endeavors. Despite being under different agencies, they have shown a commitment to maintain their group identity, balancing both prestige and practicality.
Starting with BTOB, the group left Cube Entertainment last November after an 11-year journey. They had previously signed a full-group contract renewal with Cube in 2018, but a second renewal did not materialize. Despite expectations for the group to stay together, the members parted ways.
Changsub joined Fantagio, Sungjae signed with I Will Media, and the remaining four members - Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Hyunsik, and Peniel - have yet to announce their new company's name.
Though now under three different agencies, all six BTOB members have expressed their strong will to prioritize group activities, promising to "always be together."
EXO's D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) became independent after his contract with SM Entertainment ended last October. He established his agency, Companysusu, embarking on a solo career. Recently, Baekhyun founded the independent label I&B100, with members Chen and Xiumin continuing their individual activities under this label. While the trio established personal labels, SM Entertainment confirmed that contracts with members who have renewed their agreements are still valid. D.O., despite being under a different agency, agreed to participate in EXO activities. EXO is even planning a fan meeting in April.
Lastly, BLACKPINK's contract renewal with YG Entertainment in December last year focused solely on group activities. While BLACKPINK will continue to release albums and tour with YG's support, individual activities were not included in the new contract. Jennie established a solo label with her mother, ODD ATELIER, and Jisoo is collaborating with her brother's baby food brand Bio Mom for a new venture in entertainment under the name 'Blisoo.'
With Jennie and Jisoo taking steps into solo ventures with their families, attention is now turning to Lisa and Rosé's future plans.
Copyright © 2023 Kpop Reporter. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
-
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Publicly Shuts Down Rift Rumors as Group Reunites for Full OT4 Stage in Toronto
-
Kim Sae Ron’s Family Denies Overlapping Relationships Amid Kim Soo Hyun Dating Scandal
-
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo’s Brother Accused of Illegally Filming Sexual Encounters, Sharing with Acquaintances
-
BLACKPINK Jennie Opens Up About Her Mother, Tears at Coachella, and Life Behind the Glamour
-
Kim Soo-hyun Faces $2 Million in Damages as Advertising Deals Collapse
-
BLACKPINK Jennie and Lisa Crush Rift Rumors with Warm Hug at Coachella