INFINITE's leader Sunggyu has announced that he will be leaving Woollim Entertainment following the expiration of his exclusive contract with the agency.
INFINITE Sunggyu to Leave Woollim Entertainment after 11 Years
On Feb. 22, Star News reported that Kim Sunggyu was holding discussions with Woollim Entertainment about the renewal of his exclusive contract with them. However, he is said to be in contact with other agencies as well and is considering joining one of them following his contract's expiration.
After one week, Star News has confirmed on March 1 that Kim Sunggyu decided to not renew his exclusive contract with his longtime agency.
INFINITE's leader also announced his departure from Woollim Entertainment through a live broadcast on Naver V Live recently. His existing contract with the label is set to expire on March 6.
RELATED: INFINITE Sunggyu Reportedly Leaving Woollim Entertainment Following Contract Expiration
Will Sunggyu Remain a Member of INFINITE?
Also during the livestream, Sunggyu assured fans that although he is about to leave the company, he will still be part of INFINITE, who is going to stay as a group and will continue to promote together.
The "Last Romeo" singer said, "We're going to continue promoting as a group. And I know that there are concerns of course... But I hope you can support and cheer on us instead of worrying about us. Only with your support, we can try harder and improve ourselves."
READ MORE: INFINITE Celebrates Their 10th Anniversary!
INFINITE Sunggyu also emphasized that he is still part of the boy group. He proudly said, "I am INFINITE. How could I leave INFINITE? No need to worry, really. And I know where it comes from, but please know that I am dedicated to [INFINITE]."
Lastly, the "Kontrol" singer left fans excited after he revealed that a "final" album will be released soon, ahead of his departure from Woollim Entertainment.
Kim Sunggyu's Activities under the Management of Woollim Entertainment in Past 11 Years
Kim Sunggyu has been an artist under the said agency since he debuted as the leader and main vocalist of the K-pop boy group INFINITE in June 2010. After two years, he made his debut as a solo artist with an extended play titled "Another Me."
ALSO READ: INFINITE L to Enlist in the Marine Corps in 2021
During his time as an artist under Woollim Entertainment, INFINITE Sunggyu took part in writing lyrics of certain songs in either his solo album or the group's releases. He wrote "41 Days" from his solo EP "Another Me," "Light" from INFINITE's "Season 2," and "City of Angels" from his first full album "10 Stories." He also penned "Room" and "Climax" from his latest EP "Inside Me."
Kim also received "Best Solo Male Artist" trophies in 2015 at multiple awards ceremonies such as the Philippines KPOP Awards, KPOP Meetings Germany Awards, and International K-Music Awards. Apart from his singing activities, INFINITE's leader also had a few acting roles. He made his cameo appearance on MBC's "The Thousandth Man" in 2012 and on KBS's "Pure Love" in 2013.
The "Be Mine" singer also became a regular cast member and main host in various television shows, including "High Society," "Girl Spirit," "Singderella," and "Like Likes Like." Additionally, he acted in lots of theater plays such as "Vampire," "In the Heights," "Amadeus," and more.
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
