Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

INFINITE’s Sungjong Opens up on Legal Dispute With SPK Entertainment

Sungjong of the K-pop boy group INFINITE announced his decision to terminate his contract with SPK Entertainment.

In his official statement released on January 16, the singer disclosed the reasons as to why he parted ways with the agency. According to the idol, SPK Entertainment failed to fulfill their duties in assisting his activities, particularly with finances.

Moreover, the singer revealed that he did not get the support initially promised to him when he signed an exclusive contract. “I did not receive proper support from SPK Entertainment for broadcast appearances, fan meetings, or album releases,” Sungjong said. “I also did not receive the promised deposit,” he added.

Despite the company’s lack of support, the idol clarified that he still did his best to maintain a good relationship with SPK Entertainment. But after his months-long effort to negotiate with the label, the agency continued to put his complaints off. With this, he plans to take legal action against the company.

Furthermore, Sungjong shared that he made the final decision to exterminate his contract with the agency in December 2023. The singer then ended his statement by apologizing to fans for worrying them, and thanking them for their unwavering support.

Fans’ show their support for Sungjong

On social media, fans, especially INFINITE’s fanbase, Inspirits, have shown their love for Sungjong as he faces the legal conflict.

Several fans applauded the singer for his courageous act. “Probably not an easy decision. But I’m proud of Sungjong for fighting for what he deserves,” one wrote.

Other Inspirits have also expressed their concern for the idol as they claim this isn’t the first time Sungjong has been mistreated by a label. In 2022, Sungjong parted ways with INFINITE’s home agency, Woollim Entertainment, after a long 13 years. Since leaving Woollim, Sungjong had instances briefly showing hints of experiencing mismanagement.

With this, a lot of fans not only wished Sungjong a bright and successful career ahead, but also hoped that the singer will find a “good” company soon. Moreover, they reassured the idol that he will always have their backs.

In other news, INFINITE had their first group comeback in five years last July 2023 with the EP 13EGIN. Notably, the release came in time for the group’s 13th debut anniversary. Moreover, it was also the group’s first release since INFINITE successfully transferred the trademark rights of their group’s name under the INFINITE Company.

Featured image: Sungjong in the concept photos for INFINITE’s ’13egin’ album. Credit: Facebook/INFINITE

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

INFINITE Officially Cancels Hong Kong Concert

INFINITE has officially cancelled their scheduled concert later this month. The legendary boy group’s agency revealed that they are no longer pushing through with a particular date. Unfortunately, the idols’ upcoming Hong Kong concert has been officially cancelled.

INFINITE Cancels Upcoming ‘COMEBACK AGAIN’ Concert in Hong Kong

According to an announcement by INFINITE Company on September 7, the event will not proceed as planned. “COMEBACK AGAIN in Hong Kong” was originally slated for September 28. However, the official statement from the company reveals that plans for the event did not fall into place.

Smooth communication was not happening with the organizers for the Hong Kong concert that was under discussion, so we ultimately decided to not carry out the Hong Kong concert after careful consideration,” the statement read.

“We apologize for causing concern to fans who anticipated the Hong Kong concert,” it continues. “Furthermore, we hope that there was no harm caused by ticketing-related issues. INFINITE and INFINITE Company will always work hard to show greater improvement.”

In the previous month, INFINITE commenced their tour with an electrifying performance at Seoul’s KSPO DOME on August 19 and 20. This would be the group’s first concert in seven years. Subsequently, they concluded successful shows in Yokohama and Taipei, setting their sights on an upcoming performance in Macao scheduled for September 9 and 10.

INFINITE, Then and Now

INFINITE, originally formed by Woollim Entertainment in 2010, is a six-member group consisting of Sungkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong. The group’s journey started with seven members, but Hoya departed from the group on August 30, 2017.

In a significant development, on May 8, 2023, it was revealed that INFINITE would establish their own agency, Infinite Company, while preparing for a full group comeback. Woollim CEO and the group’s founder, Lee Jung-yeop, made a noteworthy gesture by transferring the trademark rights of INFINITE to Sungkyu as a birthday gift, without any conditions or fees.

Excitement reached its peak when, on July 7, it was announced that INFINITE would be making their highly anticipated comeback on July 31 with their seventh EP, “13egin.” This announcement marked a new chapter in the group’s career, with fans eagerly anticipating their return to the K-pop scene.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Infinite Surprises Fans With Banner Project in ‘Comeback Again’ Concert

K-pop boy group INFINITE successfully staged the Comeback Again concert, the group’s first solo show in seven years! And as expected, it became an emotional reunion with their fans. 

On August 19 to 20, the six-piece held the two-night concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul.

 

But what made the show extra special for both INFINITE and INSPIRITs is that it’s the group’s first concert since 2017. 

Since then, the members –Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Seungyeol, L, and Sungjong– have all left Woollim Entertainment, pursued solo careers, and carried out their military services. 

Additionally, the group also established their own label, INFINITE Company, which is headed by Sunggyu. They also successfully transferred the trademark rights of their group’s name from their previous label.

However, aside from the performances during the concert, it was the group’s surprise event for fans that moved the attendees’ hearts. 

Most often that not, it’s the fans who prepared projects during concerts. And while INSPIRITs did organize a surprise for the group, the fans were shocked when the members also had a surprise of their own. 

All six members of INFINITE held banners that collectively read: “We know you’ve waited a long time. We’ll give you the happiness you deserve.” 

 

INFINITE and INSPIRITs’ bond 

Given how monumental the concert was, it was no surprising how emotional the INFINITE members were during the Comeback Again concerts. 

“The members went through a lot. There were a lot of ups and downs. Thank you for filling the place yesterday and today, Thank you so much,” Woohyun said during the show. 

 

Meanwhile, Sunggyu added: “I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

 

The group also promised that they will always be where their fans are. 

 

Online fans also opened up how meaningful the messages are of the members during the show. 

The fears, doubts, hesitations, uncertainty after your military enlistment as well as establishing your own company, it was definitely not an easy path,” one wrote. 

While another said: “You proved us more than that INFINITE. you assured us that made us build our trust on you. you did your promises like how you made it to us.”

https://twitter.com/woohyunmandu/status/1692873017339351078

 

Originally a seven-member group, INIFNITE made their debut in 2010. They are best known for their songs “BTD,” “Be Mine,” “Paradise,” “Man In Love,” “The Chaser,” and “Nothing’s Over.” They released their seventh mini-album 13EGIN in July. 

After their Seoul concerts, the group will also have Comeback Again concert stops in Yokohama, Taipei, and Macau.

Featured image: INFINITE poses after their ‘Comeback Again’ concert in Seoul. Credit: Twitter/INFINITE

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Watch: Infinite Returns With ‘New Emotions’

K-pop boy group INFINITE is off to a fresh start with the release of their seventh mini-album 13EGIN. 

INFINITE unveiled on Monday, July 31, the six-track EP, which carries the lead single New Emotions.” 

 

13EGIN — a play between 13 and begin — symbolizes the group’s 13th debut anniversary. 

Additionally, it’s also the group’s first release since INFINITE successfully transferred the trademark rights of their group’s name from their previous label Woollim Entertainment. 

In May, it was confirmed that the rights are now held by INFINITE Company, the agency established by the six members. The group’s leader Kim Sunggyu reportedly heads the agency. 

 

INFINITE last made a full group comeback five years ago, with the release of their third studio album TOP SEED in 2018. The act, however, put out the digital single “Clock in 2019.

Since then, the members – Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Seungyeol, L, and Sungjong –  have all left Woollim Entertainment, pursued solo careers, and carried out their military services. 

After the release of the album, INFINITE will hold a concert tour called COMEBACK AGAIN. Its international tour stops include Taipei and Macau.

Originally a seven-member act, Hoya left the group in August 2017. INFINITE is best known for their songs “BTD,” “Be Mine,” “Paradise,” “Man In Love,” “The Chaser,” and “Nothing’s Over.”

Featured image: INFINITE releases the album ’13EGIN’. Credit: Twitter/INFINITE

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Infinite Set for July Comeback; To Embark on Concert Tour

The long wait is almost over INSPIRITs because second-generation K-pop group INFINITE has confirmed that they’ll be releasing a new album and embarking on a concert tour. 

On Monday, July 9, INFINITE released a scheduler for their upcoming full-group comeback. 

The poster revealed that their seventh mini-album will be titled 13EGIN, and will be out on July 31. 

 

INSPIRITs, the group’s fandom, were quick to note how special the album title 13EGIN is, given that this year marks INFINITE’s 13th debut anniversary.

13EGIN is also INFINITE’s first release after they successfully hold the trademark rights to their group’s name — definitely marking a new era for the group’s future activities. 

In May, it was reported that the CEO of Woollim Entertainment, INFINITE’s original agency, handed the trademark rights to the group’s leader Kim Sunggyu. Sunggyu is the head of INFINITE Company, the agency that the six members established. 

 13EGIN will also be their first full group comeback in five years, following their third studio album TOP SEED in 2018. 

Since then, the members – Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Seungyeol, L, and Sungjong – have all left Woollim Entertainment, pursued solo careers, and carried out their military services. 

Aside from the new album, INFINITE will also hold a solo concert tour titled COMEBACK AGAIN.

It will kick off at the KSPO Dome in Seoul from August 19-20, and will have stops in Yokohama, Taipei, and Macau. 

COMEBACK AGAIN will serve as INFINITE’s first full group concert in seven years. 

INFINITE is best known for their songs “BTD,” “Be Mine,” “Paradise,” “Man In Love,” “The Chaser,” and “Nothing’s Over.”

Featured image: INFINITE’s Facebook

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

INFINITE Reveal New Logo and Social Media Accounts as Sunggyu’s New Company Acquires Group’s Trademark Rights

INFINITE is taking control of the group’s future. The second-generation boy group has teased their new logo and debuted new social media accounts. Additionally, leader Sunggyu’s newly established company now holds the group’s trademark rights.

INFINITE Debuts New Logo and Social Media Accounts

On May 6, a new Twitter account revealed INFINITE’s yellow logo. It also revealed the group’s new official accounts for Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

At first, people were uncertain of the posts. However, it was soon confirmed that these were the new official accounts for INFINITE.

Sunggyu’s New Company Acquires INFINITE’s Trademark Rights

The announcement comes soon after fans discovered that leader Sunggyu has established Infinite Company. Sunggyu has been in the process of transferring group-related copyrights from their former agency to the new company.

Infinite Company now holds the trademark rights for the group’s name, their fandom’s name, and even the title of their concerts. This opens endless possibilities for the boy group as they continue to pursue activities in the future.

INFINITE debuted in June 2010 with the EP ‘First Invasion’ and the lead single “Come Back Again”. They became Woollim Entertainment’s first idol group and labelmates Epik High helped with their popularity.

INFINITE started out as a seven-member group. In August 2017, Hoya chose not to renew his contract with Woollim Entertainment and left the group as well as the agency.

In 2019, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong began promoting with five members when Sunggyu enlisted for military service. By August 2022, all members had completed their military service. All six members also chose not to renew their contracts with Woollim Entertainment but will continue to participate in group activities.

For now, INFINITE has not yet announced plans for a comeback with all six members. However, INSPIRITs are already looking forward to the group’s official return. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Exit mobile version