Members of K-pop group GFRIEND have personally confirmed that they are disbanding after six years in the entertainment business.
Source Music announced on May 18 that “the exclusive artist contract with GFRIEND and Source Music will be concluded on May 22. After careful consideration and extensive discussion, GFRIEND and Source Music have come to an agreement to follow separate paths to continued growth.”
This created confusion among fans who became angry at Source Music for announcing it just four days before the expiration of GFRIEND’s exclusive contracts.
GFRIEND, composed of Sowon, SinB, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju and Umji, debuted on Jan. 15, 2015 with the album "Season of Glass" and according to a corporate document filed on May 14 by HYBE Co., which acquired Source Music in 2019, the group’s contracts are set to expire this year.
On May 19, or a day after the announcement, GFRIEND members uploaded handwritten letters to confirm they are disbanding.
“GFRIEND will officially end but it is not the end for us so please don’t be too hard on it,” said leader Sowon.
She said, “My debut in January 2015 was like a dream and I was so lucky to meet Buddy . Actually, I'm a person who doesn't have high self-esteem so there were obviously difficult moments. I think even those moments became an opportunity for me to grow one step further, thanks to you. Buddy, you must have been surprised by the sudden news. I'm sorry and I love you.”
Eunha said, “For me, it was the most beautiful and happy six years. That fact won't change. Thank you very much. Always be healthy and happy, Buddy. I will sincerely pray. I will do my best to repay the fond memories with you. This has been GFRIEND. Thank you and I love you. Our Buddy.”
“Please stay healthy until the day we meet again,” SinB told fans.
Yerin said, “Thank you for making wonderful memories in my 20s. I loved you and I will always love you a lot. Thank you again to my fellow members, Buddy and Source Music family.”
“I will show you how I continue to progress in the future so that this end does not end with sadness. Once again, I love you, thank you, and thank you. This has been GFRIEND,” said Yuju.
Umji told GFRIEND members and fans, “If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have experienced all of this. Thank you so much and I love you with all my heart. Again to our Buddy, I really miss you and I love you.”
Source Music, in its May 18 announcement, added, “For the past six years, GFRIEND has won the boundless love of K-pop fans through a wide range of concepts, performances and songs that marked a new generation of girl group and music.”
“We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to GFRIEND who has allowed Source Music to accompany them on their journey,” it said.
It added, “We would like to deeply thank all BUDDY and fans who have shown your love for GFRIEND, and we ask that you give your unchanging love and support to the members who will begin their adventures in new and diverse areas. Source Music will always continue to cheer for the members as they take the first step towards new beginnings.”
GFRIEND released their third studio album “Walpurgis Night” last Nov. 9.