According to reports, former IZ*ONE and HKT48 member Miyawaki Sakura has officially signed an exclusive contract with HYBE Labels. Keep on reading to learn more.
Former IZ*ONE Member Miyawaki Sakura Signs With HYBE Labels
According to the Japanese media outlet WoW Korea on August 18, Miyawaki Sakura, a former member of IZ*ONE, has officially signed an exclusive contract with HYBE Labels.
A representative of the idol told the media outlet that Miyawaki Sakura has officially signed with HYBE Labels and is planning to depart from Japan to South Korea within this month (August).
ALSO READ: Former IZ*ONE Member Choi Yena to Make Solo Debut in the Latter Part of 2021
Back on August 16, it was reported that Sakura was negotiating a contract with HYBE Labels and could potentially sign on to be an artist under Source Music, one of the subsidiaries under HYBE Labels. However, reports stated that Sakura's signing with the company was delayed due to difficulties in negotiations between HYBE Labels and Sakura's Japanese representatives.
Rumors of Sakura joining HYBE Labels started in March 2021, when several media sources claimed that Sakura was going to sign on as an artist under Big Hit Entertainment, which is home to BTS and TXT. Additionally, South Korean media outlet Hankyung claimed Sakura would be joining the company following IZ*ONE's disbandment in April.
ALSO READ: Miyawaki Sakura Reportedly Signing with Big Hit Entertainment Following IZ*ONE's Disbandment
Many believed that Sakura would be joining Big Hit Entertainment to debut with their new girl group, which will debut in partnership with Source Music. Back in 2020, Big Hit Entertainment stated that they would be debuting a girl group composed of multi-national members who were handpicked from global auditions.
However, at the time, Big Hit Entertainment responded to the news by saying nothing has been decided yet.
Is Former IZ*ONE Kim Chaewon Signing With HYBE Labels?
Sakura is not the only former IZ*ONE member rumored to be signing with HYBE Labels. On August 17, Star News released a report stating that Kim Chaeweon had signed an exclusive contract with Source Music, making her an official part of the HYBE Labels artist roster.
ALSO READ: A New Start: Former IZ*ONE Eun Bi Reveals Jacket Image for Solo Mini-Album 'Open'
They also claimed that Kim Chaewon, who used to be an artist under Woollim Entertainment, started negotiating her contract in June 2021 and that Source Music and Woollim Entertainment have signed a confidentiality agreement concerning the idol.
ALSO READ: Kim Chaewon Reportedly Signs With Source Music + Will Potentially Debut With Other Former IZ*ONE Members
However, that same day, HYBE Labels released a statement saying they could not confirm the content of Kim Chaewon's contract and ask for people's understanding. Woollim Entertainment has the same position as HYBE Labels on the matter.
ALSO READ: HYBE Addresses News about Former IZ*ONE Kim Chaewon Joining Source Music
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Written by Alexa Lewis
