In early 2022, two Teen Top members left TOP Media, and one of them is Niel. It has been eight months since then, so fans might be wondering about his current whereabouts. So we did the research for you. Keep on reading to know what happened to Teen Top Niel after leaving the agency.
Teen Top Niel's Activities Before Leaving TOP Media
Prior to debut as a K-pop idol, Niel starred in the musical "Please." He then auditioned in the open Lotte World audition, along with Changjo, C.A.P, and L.Joe (who later became his bandmates).
Teen Top then debuted as a six-member boy group in July 2010 with their first single album "Come Into the World," which features the title song "Clap." Niel was given the positions of main vocalist and face of the group.
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Since then, Niel has been taking part in Teen Top's comebacks, continental tours, and world tours. He also made his solo debut in February 2015 with his first mini-album titled "oNIELy." He then made his first comeback in January 2017 with his second mini-album "Love Affair."
In addition, Teen Top Niel and other K-pop artists such as Ailee, EXO, and SISTAR sang a theme song for KBS1's special program "I Am Korea," titled "The Day We Meet," for Gwangbok 70th anniversary.
He even had a collaboration stage with other idols for SBS Gayo Daejeon's 2013 "The Color of K-pop." He performed "Tearfully Beautiful" as part of the five-member one-time unit named Dramatic Blue (which only consisted of HIGHLIGHT Yoseob, INFINITE Woohyun, 2AM Jo Kwon, and MBLAQ's G.O.
Why Did Teen Top Niel Leave TOP Media?
After being with TOP Media for 12 years since his trainee days, Teen Top Niel officially left the company (along with Changjo). The reason is that his exclusive contract with the agency has officially come to an end on Jan. 10, 2022. His departure was announced a few weeks prior to his departure.
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On Dec. 28, 2021, TOP Media explained that they had long discussions with Niel and Changjo and the two members had decided not to renew their contracts with the label. But even though the two will part ways with the company, they agreed to participate in promotional activities for Teen Top, meaning they are still members of the boy group.
In his letter, Teen Top Niel said that he will take on new challenges and a new beginning. He added that he will show a positive version of himself both as a member of Teen Top and as the individual Niel. He further said that he will keep singing for the fans until the day he loses his voice.
What Happened to Teen Top Niel? K-pop Idol's Status After Leaving TOP Media
Following his departure, Teen Top Niel held a joint fan-con called "Missing You" with his co-member Changjo on Feb. 26. But after that, fans did not hear from him anymore.
But on Aug 10, Niel's current whereabouts were revealed- the K-pop idol is now under management agency NEW ENTRY.
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NEW ENTRY announced that Teen Top Niel joined their company as a solo artist, and that they are going to support him so that he can create the music he wants to as much as possible. He is the second artist to join the label after Lim Kim (Kim Yerim). Aside from music, he will also expand his activities to different fields, including acting and variety shows.
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Written by Maria Scott
