K-pop idol Jang Gyu-ri has decided to leave her girl group Fromis 9 with the expiration of her exclusive contract.
In August last year, Fromis 9 transferred to Pledis Entertainment but Gyu-ri chose not to sign a new contract with the agency and kept the terms of her old contract.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the fans who have shown unwavering support and love for fromis_9. We would like to provide some information regarding the future activities of fromis_9,” Pledis Entertainment announced on July 28.
The agency said Fromis 9 will become an eight-member group starting August while Gyu-ri’s contract will end on July 31.
“Fromis_9 will become an 8-member group starting from this coming August and will meet their fans in their upcoming Japanese activities and other various activities scheduled for the second half of this year,” it said
It added, “Fromis_9’s fifth EP ‘from our Memento Box’ will be the last promotional activity of JANG GYU-RI as she wraps up her time as a member of fromis_9. She will conclude her contract earlier with us as of July 31 to embark on a new journey.”
“The eight members of fromis_9 (LEE SAE ROM, SONG HA YOUNG, PARK JI WON, ROH JI SUN, LEE SEO YEON, LEE CHAE YOUNG, LEE NA GYUNG and BAEK JI HEON) signed a new exclusive contract with us when they transferred to PLEDIS Entertainment in August 2021,” the agency explained.
It said, “JANG GYU-RI maintained the conditions of the original contract with her former agency and PLEDIS has been in charge of tasks including the management of her team and individual activities.”
“The artist and the company made the decision after careful consideration and discussions on what would be the best path for everyone. Please continue to send your love and support to JANG GYU-RI, who has always committed to do her best as a member of fromis_9 and to the eight members of fromis_9 who will start a new chapter of their careers. Our company will continue to support fromis_9 to help them grow as artists as they continue their activities in various fields,” Pledis added.
In a separate statement, Pledis Entertainment said:
“We would like to thank all the fans who have expressed their boundless love for fromis_9.
“We would like to provide information on the operation of fromis_9 related services after fromis_9 becomes an 8-member group.
“1. Weverse, Fan Cafe
- JANG GYU RI’s profile and ID will be deleted as of 00:00 AM, Monday, August 1, 2022 (KST), but you will continue to be able to access posts uploaded before the termination of the contract.
“2. flover Membership & Weverse Shop
- Membership Only content of JANG GYU RI will not be uploaded as of 00:00 AM, Monday, August 1, 2022 (KST), but you will continue to be able to access posts and content uploaded before the termination of the contract.
- fromis_9’s previously released albums and merchandise (except for sold out products) on Weverse Shop will continue to be available for sale.
“3. Official Online Channels and Communities
- Content related to JANG GYU RI will not be uploaded on fromis_9’s official social media accounts, website, Fan Cafe, Weverse, YouTube, V LIVE and other online channels as of 00:00 AM, Monday, August 1, 2022 (KST), but you will continue to be able to access posts and content uploaded before the termination of the contract.
- JANG GYU RI’s personal Instagram account will continue to be maintained and the artist herself will continue to operate the channel.
“4. HYBE INSIGHT
- Content of HYBE INSIGHT containing JANG GYU RI’s likeness will continue to be maintained until the next renewal.
“5. Post Office Box
- Please note that as of 23:00 PM, Wednesday, August 31, 2022 (KST), any mail sent to JANG GYU RI has to be returned or discarded.
“6. Channel_9 and Behind the scenes videos
- Content from the 5th Mini Album “from our Memento Box” activities including Channel_9 episodes featuring JANG GYU RI will be uploaded without any editing of JANG GYU RI’s appearance.”