MONSTA X member I.M is officially leaving Starship Entertainment. Does his departure mean MONSTA X will promote as a five-member group from now? Keep on reading to find out!
IM Leaves Starship Entertainment- Will MONSTA X Continue Without Him?
On Aug. 8, Starship Entertainment released an official statement revealing the status of MONSTA X members' exclusive contracts.
The company stated that they recently renewed contracts with five of the six members of MONSTA X, Shownu, Kihyun, Minhyuk, Jooheon, and Hyungwon. I.M, on the other hand, will part ways with Starship as he decided to end his exclusive contract with the label.
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"We have had sincere discussions with I.M, but our exclusive contract with him will unfortunately come to an end," Starship Entertainment said. "We express sincere gratitude for I.M's hard work, efforts, and devotion over the years. We will cheer on and support I.M's future activities and his new path."
Although I.M is leaving Starship Entertainment, the company assured fans that he will still continue to promote as a MONSTA X member. The label explained that the members still have "unchanging affection for MONSTA X and MONBEBE," hence I.M decided not to withdraw from the group.
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"As all six members have unchanging affection for MONSTA X and MONBEBE, we have come to a mutual agreement for I.M to continue together for future group activities," Starship stated.
In addition to the status of MONSTA X's exclusive contracts, Starship Entertainment also revealed that the idols are preparing for their group and individual activities after a one-month break.
The label concluded their statement by saying, "We ask that you continue to cheer on, send warm encouragement, and support the six members of MONSTA X."
MONSTA X IM Posts Handwritten Letter After Leaving Starship Entertainment
Following Starship Entertainment's announcement about I.M's departure from the agency, the MONSTA X member shared a handwritten letter on the group's official fan café.
Read his message below:
"Hello. This is MONSTA X I.M.
Seven years have passed by since I made my first start as a singer with Starship.
As we've been together for a long period, I've grown fond [of Starship], but I thought I needed a new challenge with different meaning, so after a lot of thinking, I reached this decision.
I want to deeply thank my Starship family members who I've spent many days with, laughing and crying together up until now.
To Monbebe, who created our happiest and brightest moments with us. I will prioritize MONSTA X's promotions, and MONSTA X will be with Monbebe as six, like always.
I love you, Monbebe. I will become an Im Chang Kyun and I.M who shows you an image of consistent growth.
Thank you."
I.M debuted as one of the rappers of MONSTA X in May 2015 after competing in Mnet's survival show "NO.MERCY" and making it to the debut lineup.
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He then debuted as a solo artist in February 2021 with his first EP "Duality," which features the title song "God Damn." His solo debut was a success as all five songs from the album entered the weekly Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
Check out MONSTA X I.M's "God Damn" music video here!
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Written by Maria Scott
