iKON Bobby is reportedly leaving YG Entertainment after his contract with the company expires. The agency has since issued a statement.

iKON Bobby Leaving YG Entertainment Following Contract Expiration? Here's What Agency Said

On Nov. 15, Kpop Herald reported that an industry insider told the outlet that iKON Bobby will not renew his contract with YG Entertainment. The insider added that many are observing which agency will house the rapper.

A representative of YG Entertainment has since denied the report, telling Newsen, "The rumor is groundless. There is still time left on his contract." The official, however, did not mention when the idol's current contract is set to expire or if there are ongoing discussions of renewal with the artist.

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Earlier this year, in May, iKON made a comeback with their fourth mini-album "FLASHBACK." During a press conference commemorating the release of the album, the members were asked about their contract renewal. They replied, "We haven't talked about that with the company yet. Although nothing has been specifically decided, of course, we will work hard for our album and iKON."

Bobby made his debut as a member of iKON back in 2015 with the single "MY TYPE." Prior to that, he appeared in the 2013 YG boy group survival show "WIN," which was broadcast via Mnet. At the time, he competed as a member of Team B, which was defeated by Team A (who is now the boy group WINNER).

READ MORE: iKON Draws Mixed Reactions for Mentioning BI's Withdrawal, Bobby's Marriage in Show

The following year, he was selected as a member of iKON after going through another YG boy group survival show "MIX & MATCH." In September 2016, iKON Bobby made his solo debut with the digital single "Holup!" His latest solo release is his second full album "Lucky Man," which came out in January 2021.

iKON's Latest Comeback With "FLASHBACK"

On May 3, iKON dropped their long-awaited mini-album "FLASHBACK," together with the music video for the title track "BUT YOU."

Containing lyrics by Bobby, "BUT YOU" reinterprets '80s pop music with a contemporary sound. The song creates a retro atmosphere as it confesses the feelings of being unable to forget a lover after a breakup.'

Following the album's release, iKON immediately entered iTunes charts in different cities around the world. "FLASHBACK" ranked first in at least 18 regions, including Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and Turkey. The EP also placed 7th in the United States.

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Moreover, "FLASHBACK" went straight to the top of the Worldwide iTunes Album chart and debuted at No. 2 on the European iTunes Album chart. Meanwhile, iKON's "BUT YOU" entered at No. 23 on the Worldwide iTunes Song chart.

In Japan, "BUT YOU" occupied the first spot in the real-time rankings of Rakuten Music and AWA. The album's other songs "DRAGON," "FOR REAL?" "GOLD," and "NAME" also made it to Line Music's charts.

In South Korea, iKON's "BUT YOU" debuted on several major music charts such as Bugs (No. 18), MelOn (No. 124), Genie (No. 159), and VIBE (No. 244).

Check out iKON's "BUT YOU" music video below:

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Written by Maria Scott