Fromis 9 Ends Contract with Pledis Entertainment, Releases Farewell Song for Fans
South Korean girl group Fromis 9 will bid farewell to their label, Pledis Entertainment, at the end of the year. The announcement, made on Friday, marks the end of the group’s exclusive contract with the agency, effective December 31, 2024.
In an official statement, Pledis Entertainment expressed gratitude for the group and their fans, stating, “We discussed at length and in depth with the members of Fromis 9 regarding each member’s future and direction and have come to an amicable conclusion to end the exclusive artist contract.”
A Farewell Gift for Fans
Before their departure, Fromis 9 plans to release a special fan song on December 23 as a heartfelt thank-you to their loyal fandom, Flover. This song will serve as their final official activity under Pledis Entertainment. The agency added, “We wholeheartedly support the future endeavors of Fromis 9.”
Years of Management Challenges
The decision follows years of controversy surrounding the group’s management under Pledis Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation. Allegations of mistreatment have plagued the group, particularly after member Park Ji-won revealed during a live stream that she had yet to receive her first paycheck, sparking outrage among fans.
Additionally, member Lee Chae-young voiced frustration over limited promotional activities, lamenting, “Why can’t we have a long promotion? This only happens to us, only Fromis 9. I’m so upset.”
Before joining Pledis Entertainment in 2021, the group was managed by Off The Record Entertainment. Their transition to Pledis coincided with HYBE’s acquisition of the company, placing Fromis 9 on HYBE’s diverse roster.
A Legacy of Nine Talented Members
Originally formed with nine members—Roh Ji-sun, Song Ha-young, Lee Sae-rom, Lee Chae-young, Jang Gyu-ri, Lee Na-gyung, Park Ji-won, Lee Seo-yeon, and Baek Ji-heon—the group first gained popularity through the survival show Idol School. Member Jang Gyu-ri departed in 2022, leaving the group as an eight-member ensemble.
HYBE Under Fire
The announcement of Fromis 9’s departure comes amid broader criticism of HYBE’s treatment of its artists. A similar decision by another HYBE subsidiary, ADOR, involving the group NewJeans has only fueled concerns about the company’s handling of its K-pop idols.
What’s Next for Fromis 9?
As Fromis 9 prepares to part ways with Pledis Entertainment, fans eagerly await news about the members’ future endeavors. The group’s farewell song, set to release on December 23, promises to be a touching tribute to their journey and the unwavering support of Flover.
While the group’s future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: their impact on the K-pop industry and their fans will be remembered long after their time at Pledis comes to an end.
