In a recent and unexpected development, four members of the renowned K-pop group Ciipher have decided to leave the band. On August 9, Ciipher‘s label, Rain Company, announced that Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won ended their contracts. This decision, described as mutual, was reached after a series of discussions.
The remaining 3 members will reformat & are inplans to start anew promotions. They are preparing to meet fans through various projects.
We would like to inform you that this is made after a long discussion, in hopes to respect the members' personal wishes valuing their opinions. pic.twitter.com/ohnG5Jj9nX
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
We would like to thank all the fans that has loved Ciipher,
Please do continue supporting the members warmly by showering them love in the future.We sincerely wish and support every member in their own chosen paths and fresh starts.
Thank you.
(3/3) #Ciipher #싸이퍼 pic.twitter.com/CbmQuLoVAI
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
As for the remaining members, Hwi, Hyunbin, and Keita, they have chosen to stay with the company and continue their work in showbiz. They plan to regroup and continue promoting as a trio someday. They’re also set to meet fans through various activities. For instance, Keita is getting ready for his first solo fan meeting in Japan on August 19.
While the official statement from Rain Company underscored the mutual respect and understanding underpinning this decision, fans voiced their concerns and frustrations. Many are directing their ire at the company. Accusations of mismanagement and mistreatment are being leveled at its founder, the seasoned idol Rain.
One of the problems is the limited interaction between Ciipher and the public. There are noticeable gaps between posts on the group’s social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Ciipher also doesn’t have accounts on Dear U Bubble and Weverse, where they can engage with fans more intimately and regularly.
Rain‘s track record with managing idol groups has also come under scrutiny. Netizens have accused him of neglecting groups like MADTOWN and MBLAQ. They’re concerned that Ciipher is receiving the same poor treatment they did.
What’s next for the Ciipher members
After dropping a mini-album called The Code in 2022, Hyunbin and Keita went on the survival show circuit. Hyunbin competed on MBC’s Fantasy Boys, while Keita joined Mnet’s Boys Planet. He was all set to do it with Tag, but the latter dropped out of the show before filming began.
Soon after word of their departure broke out, Dohwan, Tag, and Won reached out to fans on social media.
#DOHWAN IG update 📸
Hello, this is Dohwan.
Now, I have finally concluded promotions as a member of my beloved Ciipher.
Throughout the promotions, I believe I have learned a lot and those were such a happy period to me. I would like to thank Clues
(1/3) #KILDOHWAN #길도환 pic.twitter.com/qNOqK3FTEi
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
When the time is hopefully not yet too late, I hope we get to meet again.
I will be thankful if a new path will get to open up for me.I will try my best to be a voice to wonderful stories, to repay everyone.
Thank you.
From: Kil Dohwan.
(3/3)
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
#TAG IG update 📸
Hello, this is Yeom Taegyun.
I would like to express my gratitude towards everyone who has loved and supported Ciipher all this time.
The 2 years time I spent promoting with Ciipher is such a dream for me and a new challenge.
(1/3) #태그 #염태균 #YEOMTAEGYUN pic.twitter.com/ikuy9chAtb
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
I will do my best to see you soon, showing various sides of me, so please send me your warm interests and support.
Once again, I sincerely thank everyone's love.
Thank you.
(3/3) #태그 #염태균 #YEOMTAEGYUN
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
#WON IG update 📸
Hello.
This is Park Sungwon.For all these time, thank you so much to everyone who has loved me as "Won of Ciipher."
For the past 2 years, I was able to experience a lot of things & thanks to everyone's love;
I was very happy, and it was a
(1/3) #박성원 pic.twitter.com/sKgX8Hpow7
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
And I hope to see you again soon as I bring you good news.
Thank you.
(3/3) #WON #PARKSUNGWON #박성원
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
Tan went live on Instagram to air his sentiments.
230807 #TAN IG Live
🦊: Uh… Hello. First of all, I felt the urge to get moving and I know it has been so long that you've seen me.#CHOISEOKWON #최석원 #탄 pic.twitter.com/KCWfrrKuwS
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
Part 3: https://t.co/JYtp2akdeh
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
Part 5: https://t.co/pHi4p42Ayh
— 케톡💬 (@kakeitalk) August 9, 2023
Last week, Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed that Keita will debut in EVNNE, a seven-member boy group with six other Boys Planet alums. As of this writing, it’s unknown what Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won plan to do next.
This exodus of Ciipher members from Rain Company is a pivotal moment in the K-pop scene. As their fans await more news, there remains a collective hope that things will turn out well for the boys. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Here are the boys in happier times. May they all find success post-Ciipher. Source: Twitter/@RAIN_Ciipher.