The social media accounts and fan cafe of K-pop girl group GFRIEND will remain and not be deleted even after their disbandment.
This was announced by Source Music, GFRIEND’s agency, to address the requests and concerns by fans.
Source Music revealed 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.”
On May 19, GFRIEND members Sowon, SinB, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju and Umji uploaded handwritten letters to confirm that they are disbanding after six years following their debut in January 2015.
“GFRIEND has officially neared an end, but this doesn't mean the end of us. Don't be too sad Buddy," said leader Sowon, according to Yonhap News.
Yuju said, "Thank you for protecting me so that I won't break, and I'll make sure to strive forward so that this end will not only end in sadness.”
In a notice released on May 21, Source Music said it is aware that many were distressed because of the announcement but it hinted that until the last minute, the agency and GFRIEND talked about continuing with their career.
“Both the artists and the company worked until the very final moments of our discussions to give you the news you waited for, and we are deeply regretful that we were not able to bring you the results you hoped for,” the agency said.
Here is the complete text of Source Music’s announcement on May 21:
“Hello. This is Source Music. First and foremost, please allow us to express our regret for causing concern to all fans with the sudden announcement of the conclusion of artist contract. We would like to once again thank all fans who have expressed their boundless love for GFRIEND.
“We are aware of the concerns as well as requests being made by fans regarding plans for the management of GFRIEND content following the conclusion of our company’s exclusive artist contract. We are striving to ensure that we can address these concerns as best as we can. While there has not been sufficient time following the decision to finalize all details regarding these issues, we would like to provide an overview of what has been decided in order to assist you in continuing your experience with GFRIEND content and services.
“1. All existing GFRIEND social media will continue to be maintained.
“The official GFRIEND social media, fan cafe and GFRIEND Weverse will remain open with the existing content available for access. However, some functions including writing new postings will be suspended after a certain period of time. As functions and services vary by channel and community, please refer to more detailed notices that will become available. You will be able to access this content in the future whenever you wish to recall your fond memories with GFRIEND.
“2. Refunds will be provided for the remaining period in your BUDDY Membership.
“If your GFRIEND BUDDY Membership is currently valid, a refund can be provided as per Weverse Membership refund guidelines. However, it may take some time before you recieve your refund as we are still preparing detailed measures. We ask for your understanding, and we will provide detailed instructions for your refund process as soon as possible.
“3. Refunds will be provided to those selected for the 回:LABYRINTH fan sign event.
“The LABYRINTH fan sign event, which had been postponed due to the spread of COVID-19, has been cancelled. Refunds will be provided to those selected for the fan sign event according to a separate set of criteria. The event organizer (Kakao Entertainment) will contact those selected for the event individually regarding the process, and we will work together with the organizers to ensure everyone can be contacted in a timely manner. Please contact the event organizer (Record Distribution Team : 02-2280-7890) if you have any additional questions. We would like to once again apologize to everyone who has waited patiently for the fan sign event.
“Other GFRIEND IP-related services such as HYBE INSIGHT and 《SuperStar GFRIEND》 will continue until they are brought to a conclusion according to separate schedules. These schedules will be made available from each service provider. Please refer to announcements from related websites and social media channels.
“We are acutely aware of the distress and confusion that this sudden news has caused to many. Both the artists and the company worked until the very final moments of our discussions to give you the news you waited for, and we are deeply regretful that we were not able to bring you the results you hoped for.
“GFRIEND pioneered a new generation of girl group music with a wide range of concepts, performances and songs, and were loved by all fans who witnessed their growth as artists. GFRIEND shone brightest as artists and as a team when they were together as GFRIEND. We ask that you continue to give them your love and support as each member begins to take the first steps of their new journeys.
“Our company will continue to support the members to ensure that their first steps are filled with hope, and we will continue to be on their side for their future endeavours. We will strive to ensure that all fans can remember GFRIEND and remain by their side for as long as we possibly can.
“Please allow us to express our sincerest gratitude.”