After 11 years, BTOB no longer renews contract with Cube Entertainment
South Korean boy group BTOB is parting ways with Cube Entertainment after 11 years.
The record label announced that its contract with the six-piece K-pop group has ended in a statement sent to local media outlets on Monday, Nov. 6. It said that the decision to no longer renew their contract came from both parties.
"We discussed carefully with the members for a long time ahead of the expiration of our second exclusive contract with BTOB, and we made a mutual agreement to not renew our contract," the statement read.
Cube Entertainment said that BTOB "has established itself as a boy group representing the third generation of K-pop with its outstanding singing skills and music loved by the public."
The agency also thanked BTOB's fans, called MELODY, for their unwavering support for the group.
"The relationship between Cube Entertainment and BTOB has unfortunately come to an end here, but we will sincerely support the new growth and shining future of the BTOB members with endless possibilities," Cube Entertainment continued. "Please show your unwavering love to BTOB who will be starting their new journey."
After announcing the group's departure from the agency, Cube Entertainment released another statement, saying that it is currently discussing the trademark rights to BTOB's name with the group.
“Regarding the group name BTOB, we are positively discussing with the members concerning trademark rights. We will provide further information once we have reached a final decision," the agency said.
BTOB debuted under Cube Entertainment on March 21, 2012, with seven members: Seo Eun-kwang, Lee Min-hyuk, Lee Chang-sub, Im Hyun-sik, Peniel Shin, Yook Sung-jae, and Jung Il-hoon.
All seven renewed their contracts with the agency in 2018. Two years later, in December 2020, Il-hoon left the group after being caught for marijuana use.
Unlike most K-pop groups, the six-piece act is loved by MELODY for showcasing their vocal skills in ballads and sentimental tunes rather than focusing on dance choreographies. They are best known for their hit tracks Missing You (2017), Only One for Me (2018), as well as Wind and Wish and Higher both released in 2020.