Worldwide stars GOT7 will not renew their contract with JYP Entertainment, according to Dispatch. In light of this, the attention of the public is now focused on the members if they will part ways, or still continue to promote as a group.
On Jan. 10, Sunday, media outlet Dispatch stated that GOT7 will not re-sign with their agency, JYP Entertainment, as their exclusive contracts will expire this January. Along with this, plans of the respective members were also revealed, hinting at what will happen to their careers from this day forward.
GOT7 Will Not Renew Their Contract with JYP Entertainment
Seven years have passed since GOT7's debut (2014), and this year, they already reached the maximum expiration date for exclusive contracts under standard contracts. The "2021 Golden Disc Awards" is their last group activity.
JYPE was cautious about the transfer of its members, and the company is discussing various ways to keep the group together. But as the end of the contract is approaching, the agency affirmed fans that they will consult with the members until the end of it.
"GOT7 is close to each other," an official shared. The members gathered opinions about being together. However, opinions were divided over the decision of the agency. After several meetings with the company, the members reportedly decided to move on different paths.
Will GOT7 Disband? What Will Now Happen to the Members?
It is not clear if the group will dissolve, but if they will continue as a group, there are some issues they have to resolve, such as the group's name copyrights which belong to JYP Entertainment.
In addition to this, some members are also planning to pursue different career paths, aside from being an idol group member.
The first member to be transferred is Jinyoung. He is reported to sign an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment. According to reports, the situation has now been discussed in detail and after contract signing, he will further his career as an actor.
Along with him, Yugyeom was also rumored to move to the hip-hop label, AOMG. This is the label formed and headed by former JYPE artist and ex-2PM leader, Jay Park. It is said that he already held a final meeting with high-ranking officials. Yugyeom is planning to expand his knowledge to hip-hop and dance professionally.
Meanwhile, Youngjae received a love call from the Sublime Artist, home to Song Kangho, Rain, and Hani. However, he promised to still pursue music, advertisements, and pictorials as well.
Leader JB is also preparing to start afresh. Famous hip-hop labels and global record labels sent him love calls, too, and he will build a nest where he can receive full support as a solo artist.
On the other hand, fans are also deeply concerned on what will happen to the foreign members.
Currently, Jackson is active in China and Korea. He does global activities through his own label Team Wang and will continue to be active with it. As for his Korean schedule, it will be carried out through an agency.
The Thai-born K-pop idol, BamBam, will also work in Thailand and Korea simultaneously. Content production agencies are expected to help his Korean activities. He is said to be currently considering signing a contract with MAKEUS Entertainment.
Finally, Mark was reported to go back to America. The idol is planning to spend some time with his family in L.A. Afterward, he will prepare to open a personal YouTube channel along with starting his solo music activities in the U.S.
An acquaintance who knows GOT7 well said, "Members have a great affection for GOT7. They agreed to take time out for each other's activities until GOT7 is united."
JYPE Denied The Transfer Rumors of Members
Meanwhile, upon the emergence of the news of GOT7 members departing from the company, JYP Entertainment told OSEN that it is still difficult to confirm the contract matters of the members.
JYPE stated, "We will inform you of our position regarding the renewal of GOT7 as soon as it is arranged."
GOT7 Members: "GOT7 Forever"
As iGOT7s (also known as Ahgase, GOT7's fanclub name) worldwide decry the sudden news and express their various feelings on social media, GOT7 members posted the same group photo on Instagram with the same caption: #GOT7Forever.
JB also changed his Instagram bio to "GOT7 forever," while Mark posted a new status -- also with the same group photo and hashtag -- on his official Twitter account.
The past 7 years have been the best years of my life. Nothing is coming to an end, just the beginning. The seven of us are going to continue to bring you guys the best version of us till the end. #GOT7FOREVER pic.twitter.com/WnRK852Txd
— Mark Tuan (@marktuan) January 10, 2021
As of writing, #GOT7FOREVER and "7 OR NOTHING" are trending on Twitter.
GOT7 is set to celebrate their 7th anniversary on January 16.
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson
