On the 29th of January, YG Entertainment released its official statement regarding the participation of Hanbin or most popularly known as B.I. to the upcoming comeback album of iKON, the Korean idol group in which he is a former member of.
He will not be participating in the music video or singing the song with the other members; however, his songs that he participated in composing while he was still in YG Entertainment will be included.
On the statement that the company released, it was announced that they would be revising some of the songs of the six-member re-organized group, adding the former leader and co-producer songs to the new album.
According to the lengthy statement that YG agency posted, five new songs will be included in iKON's album entitled, " iDECIDE." It was then revealed that the album was ready since the middle half of last year, as well as the recording, was completed in early 2019.
Though, due to the controversy the former member Hanbin has faced between the netizens and the agency, the comeback was delayed until the withdrawal of B.I., which happened last year as well.
"The company was cautious internally about how to utilize the production that was already completed in early 2019."
YG Entertainment undergoes several deliberations and has two worries about the new album.
"First is how to exclude all the songs B.I. wrote and composed, and prepare new songs from scratch and second, hot to make a new melody and re-record it for other members."
In addition to this, based on the statement, there would be some disadvantages if will start from scratch for fans and the group should wait for another long time before the comeback and making new melody and re-recording will be harder for them members who already got entangled with their order and balance for the new songs.
YG then announced that they used the two methods and explained that B.I. does not entirely write the songs, but he worked together with the agency's composers. Moreover, the company decided to use the song for it was a work made by efforts and affection, and another member was also encouraged to participate in the song composition, which means fans will be hearing a new song, composed by a new member composer to the new album.
Ending the statement, YG apologizes for losing iKON's leader, as well as to the fans.
Lastly, they promise to protect the remaining members saying,
"Although we regret it later, We will spare more effort and investment that YG can do to protect the remaining six Ikon members. We will reward the fans who support and love the group all the time with gratitude. Please support us for the first step of the re-organized six-member Ikon. Thank you."
On the other hand, iKON has released its trailer and posters and will be kicking off the music industry as they come back with "iDECIDE" as a fiercer and braver version of themselves this 6th of February.
