In a move marking the end of a significant era in K-pop, B1A4 officially announced on December 23rd the termination of their partnership with WM Entertainment , following a successful 14-year collaboration. This announcement confirmed the departure of the current members (CNU, Sandeul, and Gongchan) from the agency where they debuted and developed.
Agency statement and details of the separation
WM Entertainment released an official statement explaining the reasons for the decision, saying: "We would like to thank all the fans (BANA) who love and support our artists B1A4. After in-depth and extensive discussions with the members of the group, we have mutually agreed to terminate our exclusive contract with them.".
In a statement filled with gratitude, the agency added, "We extend our sincere thanks to the members of B1A4, who have been with us for the past 14 years on a solid foundation of trust. Although the exclusive contract has ended, we plan to provide them with all the moral support they need to achieve even greater success in their new home." The agency also noted the continuation of international collaboration, with RBW Japan supporting their overseas activities and maintaining a cooperative working relationship, ensuring the group's continued connection with their global audience.
A successful career and a rich history in K-pop
To understand the significance of this news, we need to go back a little. B1A4 debuted in 2011 with the album "Let's Fly," quickly establishing themselves with their unique style and vibrant image. Known as the "producer idols" due to the members' active involvement in writing and composing their own songs, the group helped solidify WM Entertainment's position as one of the rising companies at the time. B1A4 was the cornerstone upon which the agency's subsequent successes were built.
The group went through a significant turning point in 2018, when members Jin Young and Baro left the agency, prompting the three remaining members (CNU, Sandeul, and Gong Chan) to renew their contracts and continue as a trio, keeping the B1A4 name alive, which increased the public's respect for their loyalty and cohesion.
The impact of the decision and the future of the band
For a K-pop group to remain active for 14 years is a rare achievement in the Korean music industry, which often sees groups disband after their initial seven-year contracts (the so-called "seven-year curse"). Therefore, B1A4's departure from WM Entertainment doesn't necessarily signify the end, but rather a transition to a new phase of artistic maturity.
The agency concluded its statement with heartfelt words: "The members of B1A4 have been more than just artists representing WM; they have been trusted partners who have shared a long journey with the agency. We, the staff of WM, offer them our best wishes and full support as they face new challenges and unleash their full potential." The public now eagerly awaits the members' next move, wondering whether they will establish their own agency or join another that offers them greater creative freedom.
