Five out of eight fromis_9 members have signed exclusive contracts with the new label ASND (pronounced Ascend) following their contract termination with HYBE's affiliate agency, Pledis Entertainment, in December last year.
On January 26, it was confirmed that only Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Nagyung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon would continue to promote as a group, as mentioned in ASND's official statement.
The three members—Lee Saerom, Lee Seoyeon, and Roh Jisun—who decided to part ways with the team will pursue their individual activities under different labels.
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The five idols will hold album activities and concerts for their devoted fans, flovers; hence, the remaining members are asking them to continue supporting the girl group despite the transition.
"ASND would like to express our sincerest gratitude to (our) artists who showed great courage and decided to join us," the company told News1.
"We promise to give them generous support and encouragement so that they can pursue their dreams in the future."
Amid the bittersweet announcement, fans also raised concerns about the quintet's group name.
Discussions are currently underway between the current and former labels regarding the potential use of "fromis_9" as the official name for the group by acquiring the trademark from the previous agency.
While some fans are delighted by the possible continuity of using the name, some are in opposition as they hope for a brand new one that symbolizes a fresh start for the quintet.
on the lowest of lowkeys IF THIS ALL TURNS OUT TO BE TRUE and 5 members continue on together, IMO i think it would be good if they had a new name altogether to give them a fresh start and not have the general public confused on “why are they fromis_9 if theres only 5 members”
— emma 🍀 forever with fromis (@flovercarat) January 26, 2025
like fromis_9 will ALWAYS be 9 members and every member will receive the same amount of support and love from me but i think retiring the name fromis_9 would be a good thing and give them opportunity to grow and show a new chapter of themselves
— emma 🍀 forever with fromis (@flovercarat) January 26, 2025
i still cant process fromis_9 not being 8 anymore, ive lost seoyeon and gyuri ..
— bobi (@bobranghae) January 26, 2025
:( if u know me i absolutely love the feel my rhythm unit but i didnt mean it as they should be the only ones redebuting 😔
atp maybe debut under another name ala viviz
Meanwhile, the reason fans want the girl group to keep its name is driven by the hope that the eight or nine members might reunite one day.
They argue that the name embodies their essence as a group, which serves as a vital part of their identity since debut, regardless if they are nine or not.
They should keep the Fromis_9 name. Nostalgia will be huge when they reunite all nine members down the road for a reunion concert. https://t.co/DanB3N9G2G
— Manchief {Fifty Fifty OT5} (@manila_chor) January 26, 2025
It's easier to just keep the name. Don't need to spend any money on a new lightstick, they're already known as fromis_9 and the 9 can be easily explained. If people look more into them then they'll understand the name
— Kenji Watanabe (@R3dM4skD3m0n) January 26, 2025
Wishing them all the success in this new chapter! Hoping they get to keep the fromis_9 name too.
— Jasdev Singh 5055 (@5055Jasdev) January 26, 2025
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