Sowon's clarification trended among Buddies online.
On June 16, idol-turned-actress Sowon appeared as a special guest on content creator and hairdresser Lee Sung Gyu's YouTube channel.
During the episode, and while getting her hair done, Sowon engaged in a casual talk with the YouTuber regarding GFRIEND members and her attendance at VIVIZ's concert.
For additional context, Source Music announced GFRIEND's disbandment on May 18 and elaborated that it was due to contract expiration. This was followed by the members' handwritten letters on May 19, which addressed their farewell.
After the unfortunate incident, GFRIEND members went their separate ways. Sowon signed a contract with IOK Company in 2021 to become an actress but left the company in 2022. Afterwards, she joined OUI Entertainment.
Yuju and Yerin became soloists when they made their debuts on January 18, 2022, and May 18, 2022, respectively. Meanwhile, Eunha, SinB, and Umji formed the trio VIVIZ and debuted on February 9, 2022.
Lee Sung Gyu mentioned he has been seeing GFRIEND's past performances on his Instagram, and that there were comments displaying curiosity over the group's "disbandment." However, Sowon surprised viewers by revealing that GFRIEND never officially disbanded.
Read their conversation below:
Lee Sung Gyu:"I've often seen GFRIEND's performances on my Instagram algorithm lately."
Sowon:"Really? I heard it before I met you today."
Lee Sung Gyu:"There are comments."
Sowon:"Recalling GFRIEND?"
Lee Sung Gyu:"And asking why they disbanded."
Sowon:"But we didn't."
Lee Sung Gyu:"Ah, termination of contract."
Sowon: "That's right. Many articles used to say we disbanded, so people are believing like that."
"GFRIEND didn't disband but our contract was terminated by THAT agency."
Fans reacted to Sowon's reveal and were ecstatic over her remarks regarding GFRIEND's status. Some elaborated on the group's long-lasting impact in the music industry and how much they miss seeing them together.
On social media platform X (Twitter), some fans decided to express their rage at Source Music and HYBE, while others commended Sowon for spilling the tea regarding the dissolution.
"Since the leader said this, I don't have to look at the word disbanded anymore, right?
"Even though it's been 3 years since GFRIEND's contract ended (not disbanded️), the fact that they are still mentioned a lot and appear on many people's algorithms means that many people really miss them."
"It's not disbandment, everyone! Their contract just ended."
literally all the girls have told us they didn't disband, it was all that company's fault but some kpop stans love to speak on what happened to gfriend without even knowing the truth https://t.co/fbtQK2lDHM
