Tag: CUBE Entertainment

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PENTAGON’s Hongseok Leaves CUBE Entertainment

CUBE Entertainment has lost another PENTAGON member. Hongseok has just been confirmed to depart from the agency. This makes Yang Hong-seok the sixth member of the idol group to leave the company.

Hongseok Becomes 6th PENTAGON Member To Officially Leave CUBE Entertainment

On November 6, CUBE Entertainment issued a statement confirming Hongseok’s departure from the agency.

“We are here to inform you that PENTAGON member Hongseok and Cube Entertainment’s exclusive contract has been terminated,” the statement read. “We shared many conversations with Hongseok regarding his activities, and as a result, we made the decision to end our contract.”

“We are grateful for Hong Seok’s hard work, who debuted as a member of PENTAGON back in 2016, and for unsparingly showing his passion and talent as a member of CUBE Entertainment. We look forward to and cheer for Hong Seok’s even more brilliant steps forward,” it continues.

“Please show your warm support and encouragement for Hong Seok of PENTAGON even after his departure from CUBE Entertainment, who will be starting anew,” the statement concluded.

Since the announcement, Hongseok shared a message to his fans on his official Instagram account. “CUBE Entertainment about 9 years together. Thanks to you, I met a team called PENTAGON, I gained a brother. And most of all, meet the UNIVERSE,” he wrote. “It was a series of happy times. Staying cool in front of you, I’ll turn up, Always be grateful!”

On October 9, CUBE Entertainment confirmed that Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok decided against renewing their contracts with the company. This makes Hongseok the sixth member of PENTAGON to leave the agency. However, Yeo One also assured fans that the group will continue promoting despite their departure from their former company.

In related news, all members of BTOB decided to leave CUBE Entertainment after 11 years with the company.

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BTOB Officially Leaving CUBE Entertainment

After a long wait, BTOB has finally made a decision about their contracts. All members of the idol group have decided not to renew their exclusive contracts with CUBE Entertainment. However, it has not yet been disclosed whether the group will continue to promote together with different companies.

CUBE Entertainment Confirm BTOB’s Departure

On November 6th, CUBE Entertainment disclosed that their longstanding contract with BTOB has reached its conclusion. After 11 years of collaboration, both parties have amicably decided not to renew the contract, marking the end of an era for BTOB’s journey under the agency.

“We discussed carefully with the members for a long time ahead of the expiration of our second exclusive contract with BTOB, and we made a mutual agreement to not renew our contract,” the statement read.

“With this, CUBE Entertainment and BTOB members Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Lee Changsub, Lim Hyunsik, Peniel, and Yuk Sungjae are wrapping up our 11-year work relationship,” it continued.

The company also expressed their appreciation for BTOB’s fans.

“We would like to thank BTOB for their proud achievements as a member of CUBE Entertainment for a long time, and we thank their fans MELODY for always being supportive of BTOB,” the statement added. “The relationship between CUBE Entertainment and BTOB has unfortunately come to an end here, but we will sincerely support the new growth and shining future of the BTOB members with endless possibilities.”

“Please show your unwavering love to BTOB who will be starting their new journey,” it concluded.

It was previously reported that the agency was hoping that all six members of BTOB would renew their contracts this year. On the other hand, it looks like the idols are ready to explore other possibilities.

The significant development reflects a bittersweet farewell for the group and the entertainment company, as they part ways with mutual respect and appreciation for the time spent together.

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CUBE Entertainment Comments on BTOB Contract Renewal

BTOB poses for their 'Wind and Wish' album. Credit: Facebook/BTOB

Amidst reports of the members’ contract expiration, CUBE Entertainment revealed that the discussion on the BTOB members’ renewal is still underway. 

On Wednesday, November 1, a media outlet claimed that K-pop boy group BTOB  is currently engaged in negotiations with agency CUBE Entertainment for a second contract renewal. And as of now, no official agreement has been reached.

 

Additionally, some reports also hinted at the possibility of some BTOB members exploring the prospect of moving to different agencies. 

Meanwhile, other reports claimed that BTOB is keen on staying together as a group even if they part ways with CUBE Entertainment.

Furthermore, various outlets went as far as claiming that members have been in contact with multiple agencies. Some of which  have reportedly offered substantial fees, such as up to ₩6 billion as a down payment to secure the group in their roster. 

In response to the reports, CUBE Entertainment issued a brief statement on the ongoing discussion. “As some BTOB members’ contract periods have not yet ended, we plan to do our best until the contract terms conclude. The members are also exploring various options and sorting out the situation,” they said.  

As to the reported contract fee of ₩6 billion, the agency clarified that it’s unrelated to Cube Entertainment. Hence, they won’t be able to properly comment on it. 

What’s next for BTOB? 

Speculations surrounding BTOB’s contract renewal began gaining momentum in late August when several media outlets claimed that the members’ contracts were set to expire by September. As of writing, there’s still no official decision and indication as to what will happen next to the group. 

Known for their incredible vocal talent and versatility, BTOB debuted under CUBE Entertainment in 2012 as a seven-member group. In 2018, all the members renewed their exclusive contracts with CUBE Entertainment, solidifying their commitment to continue their journey together. 

Since their debut, the group has not only achieved immense success in the K-pop music scene but also ventured into various fields, including dramas, variety shows, and musicals.

In December 2020, Ilhoon left the group, reducing their lineup to six members. Currently, the members include Seo Eun-Kwang, Lee Min-Hyuk, Lee Chang-Sub, Im Hyun-Sik, Peniel Shin, and Yook Sung-Jae.

In May, the group released their 12th mini-album Wind and Wash. 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their contract renewal, fans are eagerly awaiting for BTOB’s decision. Many of their fans are already showing support for any possible outcome.

Featured image: BTOB poses for their ‘Wind and Wish’ album. Credit: Facebook/BTOB

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Cube Entertainment Confirms New Boy Group

CUBE Entertainment has confirmed that they are preparing for the debut of a new boy group! The upcoming idol group will be the agency’s first since they launched PENTAGON in 2016.

New Boy Group Confirmed by CUBE Entertainment

CUBE Entertainment is gearing up for the much-anticipated debut of a new boy group tentatively named nowadays in early 2024. The exciting development comes as per an exclusive report by JTBC, and it has sparked significant buzz among K-pop enthusiasts.

The group is slated to consist of five members, and they’ve been diligently preparing for their debut since mid-October. Notably, the members selected for the venture encompass a mix of talents, including those who have already made a name for themselves through prior activities and fresh, unrevealed trainees. The combination of experience and new talent hints at an intriguing dynamic for the upcoming group.

Furthermore, there’s an interesting twist to their debut, as they have been shooting their debut content in the United Kingdom. This choice of location adds a layer of mystique to their upcoming release and raises questions about the creative direction and international appeal of nowadays.

This highly-anticipated debut represents a significant milestone for CUBE Entertainment. It marks their first boy group debut since the introduction of PENTAGON back in 2016, underscoring the importance and excitement surrounding the new group.

CUBE Entertainment has yet to officially comment on JTBC’s report, leaving fans eager to hear more about the group’s concept, music style, and the individual members who will comprise nowadays.

As 2024 approaches, K-pop fans around the world are sure to keep a close eye on CUBE Entertainment and the burgeoning boy group’s journey towards their debut. The fusion of experienced talent and fresh faces, coupled with international influences, suggests that nowadays has the potential to make a significant impact on the K-pop scene.

In related news, CUBE Entertainment confirmed that Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok decided against renewing their contracts with the company.

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5 Members of Pentagon Leave Cube Entertainment

PENTAGON poses during their concert in Hong Kong. Credit: Facebook/PENTAGON

Five members of K-pop boy group PENTAGON have left CUBE Entertainment, the agency announced on Monday, October 9. 

In their statement, the label confirmed that members Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok have decided to not renew their exclusive contracts with the company. 

“We had very long and candid talks with the Pentagon members ahead of the termination of their exclusive contracts,” CUBE Entertainment said in a press release, according to Korean media. 

Moreover, the agency expressed their gratitude for the members who have been with them for seven years. Additionally, CUBE Entertainment also expressed their wishes for the idols’ happiness as they take the next step of their career. 

With this, only four members of the group remain in the agency: Hui, Jinho, Hongseok and Shinwon. 

According to Korea JoongAngDaily, the contracts of Hui, Jinho, and Hongseok were put on hold because of their military services. Meaning, they have separate ending dates for their contract compared to the other members. 

What’s next for PENTAGON? 

Despite leaving CUBE Entertainment, several members have clarified that they will continue promoting with the group. 

“As a member of PENTAGON, I will always try and grow up so that PENTAGON can shine in any situation,” Yeowon said. 

Following the news, UNIVERSE, the group’s fandom, couldn’t help but share their sentiments on social media. 

Many are awaiting for messages from the other PENTAGON members, as well as the plans of those who left CUBE Entertainment. 

Others also couldn’t help but lament that this wouldn’t have happened if the agency treated the group properly. Throughout the group’s career, fans have called out CUBE Entertainment for allegedly not promoting the group correctly.

PENTAGON debuted as a 10-member group in October 2016. In September 2018, E’Dawn, now Dawn, left the group and agency after his relationship with singer HyunA was revealed.

The group is known for songs “Shine,” “Spring Snow,” “Feelin’ Like,” and “DO or Not.” 

Featured image: PENTAGON poses during their concert in Hong Kong. Credit: Facebook/PENTAGON

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Lightsum Confirms October Comeback

LIGHTSUM in a behind-the-scene photo from their 'SUMtime University' filming. Credit: Twitter/LIGHTSUM

The long wait is almost over SUMITs! K-pop girl group LIGHTSUM has confirmed that they’re gearing up for their highly-anticipated comeback. 

On Monday, September 18, the group’s agency, CUBE Entertainment confirmed the news to Korean media. “LIGHTSUM will end its hiatus, and an October comeback is confirmed,” the label said. 

According to reports, the album will be released in the second week of October. However, a final date has yet to be announced. 

Additionally, details such as the name of the EP and its number of tracks haven’t been disclosed. 

Although there’s no concept photos and teasers yet, the group’s official social media accounts have changed its profile pictures to mark a new era. 

LIGHTSUM is back! 

The news was met with ecstatic cheers from fans as it’s LIGHTSUM’s first music release in around 17 months. 

They last released their first EP Into the Light in May 2022. Which contains five tracks, including the lead single “Alive.” On social media, fans expressed their excitement in finally having new music from the group. 

Moreover, the October release would mark LIGHTSUM’s first release as a six-piece act. In October 2022, members Hulyeon and Jian left the group. However, CUBE Entertainment didn’t disclose the reason for the two members’ departure. 

Following this, only members Sangah, Chowon, Nayoung, Hina, Juhyeon, and Yujeong will stay with the group. At the time, the agency promised fans that they will continue to support LIGHTSUM in being active in the industry. They also asked for fans’ continued support for Hulyeon and Jian even though they’re no longer with the group. 

Originally an eight-piece act, LIGHTSUM debuted in July 2021 with the lead single “Vanilla.”

They were CUBE Entertainment’s first girl group in three years following (G)I-DLE. Other active artists under the label include BTOB and PENTAGON.  

Featured image: LIGHTSUM in a behind-the-scene photo from their ‘SUMtime University’ filming. Credit: Twitter/LIGHTSUM

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Look: (G)I-DLE Releases Tracklist for Ep ‘Heat’

(G)I-DLE in the concept photo for 'Heat.' Credit: Twitter/(G)I-DLE

K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE aims to soar to greater heights with their first all-English EP HEAT as they collaborate with globally-renowned names. 

On Tuesday, September 19, the “Queencard” hitmakers revealed the official tracklist for their upcoming release.

According to the list, HEAT will consist of five songs, with the title track being “I Want That.” It also includes the previously released single “I Do”, and three more songs namely; “Eyes Roll”, “Flip It”, and “Tall Trees.”

Compared to (G)I-DLE’s previous releases, none of the five members were involved in the production of Heat. Even the group’s main songwriter Soyeon was not mentioned in the credits, leaving fans perplexed. 

However, a few tracks in the album were surprisingly written and produced by some of the biggest names in the music industry. 

In “I Want That,” OneRepublic’s frontman Ryan Tedder is credited as a co-writer. For those unfamiliar, Tedder is known to have created several masterpieces including Beyonce’s “Halo,” Adele’s “Rumor Has It” and Taylor Swift’s “I Know Places.” 

Aside from Tedder, the title track is also co-written by Madison Love and frequent TWICE songwriters Melanie Fontano and Michel “Lindgren” Schulz. 

Additionally, Tedder is also credited as a co-writer in the side track “Eyes Roll” alongside GRAMMY Award-winning singer Meghan Trainor. 

HEAT is about to arrive! 

Apart from the tracklist, (G)I-DLE has also started releasing the concept image of the album.

In the photo, Soyeon, Yuqi, Miyeon, Minie and Shuhua served their ethereal visuals while posing in a fancy white car.

Besides being the group’s first all-English EP, fans are also looking forward to HEAT because it’s a collaboration of the group’s agency, CUBE Entertainment, and American music recording company 88Rising. The collaboration was first announced in July. 

Initially set for a September 8 release, HEAT will be out on October 5. According to 88rising, the changes are made to “ensure the best quality” for the EP. At the time, they said that they’re already working hard to put the finishing touches. 

(G)I-DLE’s record after record

With their upcoming English EP, fans are excited to witness the girl group surpass their previous achievements.

In May, (G)I-DLE released their sixth mini-album I feel with the hit title track “Queencard”. Said album broke the group’s own first-week album sales record having sold over 1.16 Million copies upon its release. 

The number marked a significant increase since (G)I-DLE’s previous albums: I love which sold 680,000 copies and I Never Die with 176,900 copies. Both albums which were released in 2022, gifted K-Pop stans the viral hits “Nxde” and “TOMBOY”.

Now, Neverland, the group’s fandom, are looking forward to seeing (G)I-DLE break their personal record with HEAT.

Feautred image: (G)I-DLE in the concept photo for ‘Heat.’ Credit: Twitter/(G)I-DLE

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BTOB Contracts with CUBE Entertainment Expiring in September

BTOB, the popular South Korean boy band, is currently in the spotlight. Several reports revealed that the members’ contracts are set to expire next month. However, it was revealed that their company is hoping that all six members of the idol group will renew their commitment.

MELODYs Wait In Anticipation as BTOB Members’ Prepare For Contract Expiration

Naver reports that the BTOB members’ contracts with CUBE Entertainment are approaching expiration. This development has garnered attention within the industry, and it appears that the contracts of each member will conclude at different times. According to the report, the first one is set to expire next month but did not indicate which member.

Nevertheless, media sources state that the group’s contracts permit them to explore other management options three months prior to the contract’s official end date. Since there is no word from the company, there are speculations about BTOB’s future endeavors.

As of now, no official decisions have been made regarding contract renewals, leaving fans and industry observers in suspense. The possibility of some members choosing to explore new opportunities and others deciding to remain with CUBE Entertainment adds an element of uncertainty to the situation.

BTOB, which made their debut in 2012, has demonstrated their versatility over the years by venturing into various fields, including dramas, variety shows, and musicals. Last year, they marked a significant milestone by celebrating their 10-year anniversary with a memorable concert at Seoul’s KSPO Dome, demonstrating their enduring popularity and influence in the K-pop industry.

Their most recent musical offering, the 12th mini album ‘Wind and Wish,’ was released in May, keeping their dedicated fanbase engaged with their music. As the members contemplate their future paths and the possibility of renewal or branching out into new ventures, the fate of BTOB remains uncertain, and fans eagerly await further updates regarding the group’s future plans.

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(G)I-DLE Delays Release of Ep ‘Heat’

(G)I-DLE in a concept photo for their 'I Feel' album. Credit: Facebook/(G)I-DLE

The release of (G)ID-LE’s highly-anticipated all-English EP HEAT has been rescheduled. 

88rising announced the changes on Friday, August 18. 

“We are working hard to put the final touches on the EP to ensure the best quality for (G)I-DLE’s fans around the world,” they explained.

 

Instead of its initial schedule of September 8, HEAT is now slated for an October 5 release. 

Following the news, the Asian-focused music company asked the fans for their continued support and understanding. 

What makes HEAT special? 

One of the reasons why fans are looking forward to HEAT is because it’s in collaboration with 88rising. The said label is home to a multitude of Asian artists, including K-pop stars Chungha and Jackson Wang. 

Additionally, HEAT will also be (G)I-DLE’s first all-English EP since debut. It’s also the first for Cube Entertainment in the company’s 17-year history. 

As for what fans can expect in HEAT, the EP will reportedly talk about “feeling confident and bringing the spirit of an endless summer with you wherever you go.” 

According to 88rising’s executive vice president John Yang, the (G)I-DLE members were “full of excitement and positivity” for their collaboration. 

In July, (G)I-DLE released “I DO,” the first single from HEAT. The music video for the English track features an extraterrestrial being falling in love with a human. 

 

The group also released a second music video “I DO,” which featured Thai actors Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul and Dew Jirawat Sutivanisak. 

HEAT will come after (G)I-DLE’s sixth mini-album I FEEL, which was released in May. 

Featured image: (G)I-DLE in a concept photo for their ‘I Feel’ album. Credit: Facebook/(G)I-DLE

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(G)I-DLE Collaborates with 88rising for New Single and EP

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Cube Entertainment’s (G)I-DLE, one of the leading girl groups in K-pop’s fourth generation, joined forces with 88rising, an Asian-focused music and media company. The result is the group’s highly anticipated new single, “I DO,” and an upcoming EP called “HEAT.”

Known for their fearless approach to performing and self-crafted smash hits, (G)I-DLE has gained recognition as leaders in K-pop. Last year, their chart-topping single “Tomboy” was even named the No. 1 K-pop song of 2022 by Billboard critics. 

Now, the group is taking a significant step forward by collaborating with 88rising.

“I DO,” set to drop soon, is (G)I-DLE‘s first original English single. Unlike their previous bold and energetic tracks like “Queencard,” “Nxde,” and “Tomboy,” this heartfelt mid-tempo song showcases a different side of the group. With sweet and emotional vocal performances from members Minnie, Miyeon, Shuhua, Soyeon, and Yuqi, “I DO” was designed to be easy to sing along to and resonate on a deeper level with listeners. It also serves as the opening track for the girls’ upcoming EP, “HEAT,” co-executive produced by 88rising.

Woohyung Ahn, the CEO of Cube Entertainment, is very excited about HEAT, which will be the first all-English EP produced by the company in its 17-year history. “HEAT is about feeling confident and bringing the spirit of an endless summer with you wherever you go,” he says. “We hope the release of HEAT will allow us to bring the message and mission of (G)I-DLE to the whole world.”

Sean Miyashiro, CEO and founder of 88rising, admires (G)I-DLE because of the girls’ artistry and creativity. “We’ve been fans of (G)-IDLE for a long time because they’re in tune and involved with what they put out. I was like, ‘Wow, they know what they want to do,’ which is important—it makes the process much more meaningful when there’s a firm belief and point of view. I felt honored that they were open to collaborating with us.”

John Yang, 88rising’s executive vice president, says the (G)I-DLE members are “full of excitement and positivity. We got so excited about what we could do together.” He praised 24-year-old Soyeon, the group’s leader, primary songwriter, and producer. “Soyeon knows what she wants for every song, from the delivery of the vocal to the overall cadence and tone—she truly is a genius.”

While 88rising has recently signed several K-pop artists, such as Chungha and Jackson Wang, their collaboration with (G)I-DLE has been in the works for a year since their initial introduction.

“I DO” and its official music video will be released on Friday, July 14, at 9:00 AM KST. The global release of the EP, HEAT, is scheduled for September.

(Featured Image: This photo accompanied their sixth EP. Source: Twitter/(G)I-DLE official Twitter account)

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