7 K-pop Idols Who Left Their Companies But Not Their Groups: EXO Lay, More [Updated 2023]
Over the years, many K-pop idols have left their original companies and their groups at the same time, either before or after the expiration of their exclusive contracts. But, there are also artists who decided to stay in their band despite leaving their agencies.
Disclaimer: This article focuses on the K-pop idols whose members are still under their original company.
7 K-pop Idols Who Left Their Companies But Not Their Groups: EXO Lay, More
EXO Lay
EXO Lay is one of the newest K-pop idols who departed from his original company but not his group. On April 8 this year, the singer announced that he's leaving SM Entertainment after 10 years of being with the agency. Notably, it was the same day that EXO celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut.
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In a letter he wrote, he said that he'll always be the Lay when his members need him, and added in the end, "EXO, let's love." Currently, Lay is actively promoting in China.
MAMAMOO Wheein
Another recent case related to our topic concerns MAMAMOO Wheein. In June 2021, RBW announced that while Hwasa, Moonbyul, and Solar renewed their exclusive contract with the label, Wheein chose not to renew hers.
However, because of the "unchanging affection for MAMAMOO," Wheein signed an extended agreement to participate in some activities of the group, including albums and concerts, until December 2023.
The girl group has since made a comeback on Oct. 11 this year with their 12th EP, "Mic On," which features the title song "Illella."
BIGBANG TOP
BIGBANG TOP is another male K-pop idol who decided to leave his original company. After being with YG Entertainment for more than 16 years since his trainee days, TOP ended his contract in February of this year. YG said that he will take on a wide range of new challenges as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
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The agency further said that as long as the conditions are right, TOP will always take part in BIGBANG's activities whenever he is able.
His departure came before the boy group made a comeback in April with their new song "Still Life."
2PM Taecyeon
After debuting in 2008, 2PM remained active in the music scene until 2017 when the members went on a temporary hiatus to complete their mandatory military service.
In 2018, only six members (including former member Jay Park) renewed their exclusive contracts with JYP Entertainment. Taecyeon decided to leave the agency and signed with 51K, but he assured fans he would continue promoting with 2PM.
In fact, in June 2021, Taecyeon participated in 2PM's comeback with their seventh studio album "MUST."
Girls' Generation Tiffany, Seohyun, Sooyoung
The last K-pop idols on our list are Girls' Generation members Tiffany, Seohyun, and Sooyoung. These three left SM Entertainment at the same time back in October 2017, while the five remaining members- YoonA, Taeyeon, Sunny, Yuri, and Hyoyeon- renewed their contracts with the label.
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Since then, Girls' Generation made their highly-anticipated full-group comeback in August this year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut. They dropped their seventh studio album "FOREVER 1."
Do you know other K-pop idols who left their original companies but remained members of their groups?
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