BTOB, the famous K-pop group, is saying goodbye to Cube Entertainment after 11 long years.

On November 6, Cube Entertainment officially announced that BTOB's contract had reached its end, and they decided to part ways without renewing it.

This marks the end of an era for the group's time with Cube Entertainment, and it's been quite a ride for both sides.

Cube Entertainment released the following statement:

"Hello, this is Cube Entertainment. We want to share our official statement regarding BTOB's future endeavors. We had extensive discussions with BTOB members prior to the expiration of our second exclusive contract, and we mutually agreed not to renew it. This decision means that Cube Entertainment and BTOB members, Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Lee Changsub, Lim Hyunsik, Peniel, and Yuk Sungjae, are concluding an 11-year partnership.

BTOB, which debuted on March 21, 2012, has become a third-generation K-pop sensation known for their exceptional singing and beloved music. We express our gratitude for BTOB's remarkable achievements during their long tenure with Cube Entertainment and thank their devoted fans, MELODY, for their unwavering support.

While our journey with BTOB ends here, we wholeheartedly support their promising future and new beginnings. Thank you for showing your love to BTOB during this transition."

Netizens shared their thoughts on this development:

"I'm glad they're staying together as a group. I hope they don't face the same fate as Beast. Maybe they'll join a new company together."

"Will Eunkwang still be on the Board of Directors?"

"It's no surprise why everyone's leaving Cube."

"(G)I-DLE must be feeling the pressure now that they have to carry the company."

"With everyone leaving Cube, I wonder if (G)I-DLE will follow suit when their contracts expire. Maybe they'll have more leverage in negotiations as a popular 4th generation girl group."

"After 11 years, it's time for them to move on."

"Is this the end of Cube? This seems a bit dramatic."

"Not yet. (G)I-DLE is still there, so they need to persuade them or face a tough situation."

Meanwhile, it's been reported that Pentagon member Hongseok is also parting ways with Cube Entertainment, following in the footsteps of other members.

Stay tuned for updates on both the Pentagon and BTOB's future activities.

Source[1]

After Kim Ji Won’s unexpected departure from Salt Entertainment, it now seems that Kim Seon Ho will also be leaving the agency.

Both stars are reportedly headed to High Zium Studio, the agency run by Song Joong Ki, and this news is stirring up plenty of buzz. What’s behind this wave of talent moving away from Salt?

Kim Ji Won, who signed with Salt Entertainment in 2020, made headlines in June 2022 when she suddenly announced her departure after finishing the drama My Liberation Notes. While the official statement wished her the best, many insiders speculated about the reasons behind the split.

Some rumors suggested that Kim Ji Won was unhappy with her role in the drama, especially for being overshadowed by her co-star, Son Seok Koo. Others believed that Salt made mistakes by trusting writer Park Hae Young too much when signing the project.

Now, just two years after Kim Ji Won’s departure, Kim Seon Ho is reportedly set to follow in her footsteps and leave Salt Entertainment for High Zium Studio. Although High Zium has denied confirming any contract details, insiders believe it’s almost certain that the actor will make the move.

For Salt, this is a huge blow, especially since Kim Seon Ho has become a popular star in Southeast Asia, which helped the agency rake in significant revenue.

An entertainment insider shared, "Salt worked hard to build connections in Southeast Asia for Kim Seon Ho, thanks to Park Shin Hye’s network. It was a successful partnership, but now it looks like they’re parting ways."

Salt’s connections in countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia were largely due to Park Shin Hye’s previous fan meetings and events there. These efforts helped Kim Seon Ho rise to stardom in Southeast Asia, but Salt couldn’t secure a contract extension.

Salt also managed to protect Kim Seon Ho’s reputation during his 2021 scandal with weathercaster Choi Young Ah.

After Choi Young Ah’s false claims about pregnancy and abortion, public opinion shifted in Kim Seon Ho’s favor. The agency’s handling of the situation earned them praise, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t keep their rising star.

A manager with years of experience in the industry shared, "The loyalty of extending contracts for 1-2 years after a 7-year contract ends is disappearing. Agencies are under pressure due to the economic downturn, and more companies are being listed, making it harder to maintain these long-term relationships."

With Kim Seon Ho and Kim Ji Won leaving, many are wondering if Salt can bounce back from this blow or if High Zium Studio will continue to attract more talent from under their noses.

Source: [1]