K-pop boy band UP10TION members terminate exclusive contracts with agency
Six members of K-pop boy band UP10TION have terminated the exclusive contracts with their agency.
In two separate statements issued on Jan. 28, Lee Jin-hyuk, who is promoting as a solo artist, announced the termination of his exclusive contract with Top Media, UP10TION’s agency, while the agency revealed the end of exclusive contracts with members Kun, Kogyeol, Vito, Sunyoul, and Gyujin.

In a letter, Lee Jin-hyuk revealed, “To be honest, I am still afraid and nervous that I will end up like this with a company I have shared the joys and sorrows for 13 years since my second year of middle school.”
“I debuted as a 20-year-old in UP10TION, received precious love, and promoted, and received even greater love and opportunities from you as 24-year-old Lee Jin-hyuk,” he said.
He added, “But, of course, I did not overcome the difficult moments alone. The fans who gave me love unconditionally and the Top Media family who thought of a good direction together were the source of my strength each time.”
“As I said during the concert, I will continue to work hard so that you can continue to love me. Thank you all!” he said.
Meanwhile, Top Media said, “We sincerely thank the fans who love UP10TION.”
“The exclusive contracts of UP10TION members Kun, Kogyeol, Vito, Sunyoul, and Gyujin, who have been with us since their debut in September 2015, will end on March 11. We discussed carefully with the members for a long time, and mutually agreed to terminate the contract following the expiration of the exclusive contract,” it said.
It added, “However, due to all the members' deep affection for UP10TION, it was agreed that the group UP10TION will remain as it is with seven members, and that we will support UP10TION's activities in the future if they promote as UP10TION.”
UP10TION debuted in September 2015.