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Bang Ye Dam Opens up About Leaving YG Entertainment, TREASURE

Bang Ye Dam has shed light on his departure from YG Entertainment and his decision to embark on a solo career. He also dispelled fans’ speculations about group dynamics within the now 10-member act TREASURE.

In a recent interview with Korean media, the 21-year-old singer addressed his departure from the agency, along with his continued connection with his former teammates. Moreover, he also elaborated on his solo debut album, ONLY ONE. 

To recall, Bang Ye Dam‘s journey to debut as a solo artist was highly anticipated since his commendable performances on the reality competition show K-Pop Star 2 in 2012 and 2013. After being a trainee for several years, he participated in the reality program YG Treasure Box, where the group TREASURE was formed. In August 2020, TREASURE made their official debut as a 12-member group.

However, in May 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye Dam, along with Mashiho, would be taking a hiatus from group activities. According to the agency,  Ye Dam would be focusing on his career as a producer and dedicating time to study music. 

In November 2022, YG Entertainment confirmed that both Ye Dam and Mashiho were parting ways with the agency.

Many fans were surprised at his departure, as Ye Dam had been with YG Entertainment for nine years. Seven of these were with him as a trainee and two years as a member of TREASURE. 

On leaving YG Entertainment and TREASURE

Although he left YG Entertainment, Bang Ye Dam shared that he learned a lot under the agency. “As a trainee, I refined my color and gained a lot of experience,” he said. The idol also explained that his desire to develop his skill as a producer has led to his official departure.

Moreover, the focus on his role in TREASURE following the announcement of his debut in the group became “really heavy” for him, as admitted by the artist.

Despite these, Ye Dam emphasized that there is no animosity between him and his former TREASURE members. He clarified that they remain in contact, offering mutual support despite his busy schedule with the album.

“I always contact and keep in touch with the members. Recently, I haven’t been able to contact them well because I’ve been preparing for the album, but the members cheer me on a lot and ask how I’m doing,” he said. 

Bang Ye Dam as a solo artist

As he officially makes his solo debut, the idol shares that he feels “liberated” to be given the freedom to be heavily involved in the creation of his music. 

When asked what he wants fans to see in his solo album,  he said: “I wanted to show what color I have, what kind of music I want to do, and how good I am. It’s filled with music that’s for the general public and looking at it, I tried to show my sense of music and vocal skills.”

Currently, Ye Dam is under the agency GF Entertainment. 

Featured image: Bang Ye Dam poses in the concept photo for his solo album ‘Only One.’ Credit: Twitter/Ye Dam

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former Treasure Member Bang Ye Dam to Make Solo Debut in November

Rejoice, BLACKSWANs! South Korean singer Bang Ye Dam, popularly known as a former member of the boy group TREASURE, is about to make a significant step in his musical career with his upcoming solo debut in November. 

On Monday, October 30, Bang Ye Dam launched official accounts on various social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Alongside these new accounts is a poster confirming his upcoming debut as a solo artist. 

Additionally, the poster also unveiled his new logo, which hints at his musical journey ahead. Notably, the logo creatively stylizes his initials to resemble a treble clef, a symbol closely associated with music notation, 

While the official title of his upcoming release is yet to be disclosed, fans can anticipate a pre-release track dropping on November 10. Meanwhile, Bang Ye Dam’s first solo mini-album is scheduled for release on November 23. 

Although other details about his solo release are still under wraps, fans are already awaiting for new music from the talented artist. As this will serve as his first release since signing with his new agency, GF Entertainment, in August. 

A look back on the career of Bang Ye Dam 

Bang Ye Dam‘s journey in the public eye began in 2012 when he gained recognition as a contestant on SBS’s K-pop Star Season 2. There, he showcased his impressive talents and finished in second place, closely following the brother-sister duo AKMU. Moreover, this also marked the start of his trainee days under YG Entertainment. 

Then in 2018, Yedam participated in the reality program YG Treasure Box, where the group TREASURE was formed. Initially a 12-member group under YG Entertainment, TREASURE made their official debut in August 2020. 

However, in May 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye Dam, along with Mashiho, would be taking a hiatus from group activities. According to the agency,  Ye Dam would be focusing on his career as a producer and dedicating time to study music. 

In November 2022, YG Entertainment confirmed that both Ye Dam and Mashiho were parting ways with the agency. Many fans were surprised at this, as Yedam had been with YG Entertainment for nine years – seven years as a trainee and two years as a member of TREASURE. 

Since then, TREASURE has continued activities as a 10-member group. Currently, the remaining members include Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Park Jeongwoo, Yoshi, Junkyu, So Junghwan, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, and Haruto.

When he signed with GF Entertainment, Bang Ye Dam also expressed his gratitude to both his former group and agency. In his message, he wrote that his experience under him made him the artist he is today. 

Featured image: GF Entertainment shares photo of their new artist Bang Yedam. Credit: Website/GF Entertainment

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Bang Ye-Dam Signs With New Agency; Thanks Yg Entertainment and Treasure

Former TREASURE member Bang Ye-dam will be starting afresh as a solo artist with his new agency GF Entertainment.

In his personal Instagram account on Wednesday, August 23, Ye-dam shared a heartfelt message showing gratitude to his former label YG Entertainment, previous group TREASURE, and their fans, Treasure Makers or TEUMEs. 

The 21-year-old artist looked back at how his idol journey started, saying that YG Entertainment has supported and has allowed him to grow to who he is now. 

 

For their part, GF Entertainment is also looking forward to having Ye-dam under their agency. 

“We are glad to sign with a talented artist. We plan on relentlessly supporting Bang Ye-dam, so he can be a musician who can excel as a producer, singer, and in other aspects.” GF Entertainment said in a press release.

 

​​Aside from Ye-Dam, the agency also currently manages the 7-member boy group Kingdom.

Fans’ reaction to the news 

Fans, especially TEUMEs who have waited for a long time, have expressed their support and excitement towards Ye-dam’s new path as an artist. 

I wanna hug everyone who waited for this day to come. Finally guys, war is over. Ye-dam is finally with his new agency and will be releasing his new music soon,” one fan wrote.

 

Another fan congratulated Ye-dam on his new journey and feels touched with the mention of TREASURE, Teumes, and YG Entertainment  in his post.  

 

Overall, the majority of them are anticipating Ye-dam‘s solo career. 

From TREASURE member to solo artist

Bang Ye-dam made his debut in August 2020 as a member of the 12-piece South Korean-Japanese group TREASURE. 

However, in May 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye-dam and Mashisho will be taking a hiatus from group activities. According to the agency, Ye-dam will be working on his career as a producer and studying music for the time being. 

Come November 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye-dam and Mashiho are parting ways with the agency, leaving TREASURE as a 10-member group.The only remaining members are Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Park Jeongwoo, Yoshi, Junkyu, So Junghwan, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, and Haruto. 

Additionally, Ye-dam spent nine years in YG Entertainment, with seven years as a trainee and two years in TREASURE

Since his departure from YG Entertainment, Ye-dam has updated fans through his Instagram account. He opened it on his birthday this year, in which he initially hinted at making a comeback. 

“If you just wait a little longer, I’ll be back with good news. I’ll be back again as a cool Bang Ye-dam! Thank you always,” he said then.

Featured image: GF Entertainment shares photo of their new artist, Bang Ye-dam. Credit: Press release/GF Entertainment

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