INFINITE’s L on Leaving Woollim Entertainment: ‘’I needed a new challenge in my life’

Kim Myung Soo, more known as L of the boy group INFINITE, has bid goodbye to Woollim Entertainment -- his home for the past decade.

The K-pop idol announced his departure through a letter posted on his Instagram page a day after his contract with the agency expired.

"I made a difficult decision and gave it a lot of thought. But after long deliberation, I've now decided to stand on my own because I felt that I needed a new challenge in my life. I am now going to start the new challenge," he explained.

In his statement, he shared that being with Woollim for a decade since his trainee days has taught him a lot.

"All the moments I shared with INSPIRIT [his group's fans] after debuting as part of INFINITE are all happy times," he said, adding that he also felt happy because of all the memories he spent with fellow INFINITE members.

Six-piece INFINITE first debuted in 2010, and since then, L has transformed to become one of the most versatile idols-turned-actors in the industry. He was last seen on the top-rated drama, "Angel's Last Mission: Love."

Hoping that the trust he earned from fans will remain the same, he also thanked his Woollim family and its executives -- led by head Lee Jung Yeop and vice president Lee Ji Young -- for the support they have given him.

In a statement released by the company, they also clarified that both parties had an in-depth discussion about the said matter.

"After having a careful discussion, the decision was made to not renew the contract," the firm noted.

Addressing about INFINITE's status, Woollim was quick to clarify that the outfit's "disbandment is not being considered at all."

"With regards to the group's activities, they will be carried out in the future as there are members who are currently enlisted in the army," they further remarked.

INFINITE is composed of L, Woohyun, Sungjong, Dongwoo, Sunggyu, and Sungyeol -- the last three of which are serving the military.