8 Groups Whose Contracts Are Expiring Next Year
1. B.A.P
B.A.P debuted in 2012 with TS Entertainment. In 2014, B.A.P filed a lawsuit against TS Entertainment, wishing to nullify their contract due to unfair working conditions and profit distribution. In 2015, B.A.P and TS Entertainment reached a settlement but, given the history between the two parties, fans’ concerns about B.A.P’s upcoming contract expiration are understandable.
2. VIXX
VIXX debuted with Jellyfish Entertainment in 2012. No disputes between the two parties have been reported and the VIXX members have expressed their desire to continue on as a group.
3. NU’EST
NU’EST debuted in 2012 under Pledis Entertainment. No publicized disputes between the group and their label have occurred, but the past few months have not been easy for either party due to Baekho‘s sexual assault charges (which have since been dropped). Fans worry that NU’EST’s contract may not be renewed since the group has been on an on-and-off hiatus and has not produced a full studio album since Bridge the World in 2015.
4. BTOB
BTOB was formed in 2012 by Cube Entertainment. Under the label, BTOB has gained success, and the group has given no indication that they would not be willing to renew their contract with Cube. In spite of this, fans are forced to remember 4MINUTE, another successful Cube group that disbanded after their seven-year contract came to an end.
5. Wanna One
Wanna One was formed by CJ E&M through Produce 101 and debuted under YMC Entertainment and CJ E&M in 2017. The popular group has been active for less than a year, but their contract is already set to end on December 31, 2018. On January 31, a news outlet reported that Wanna One’s contract may be extended to February 2019. In response, YMC stated that although an extension was brought up during a meeting, it has not been discussed in-depth.
6. EXID
EXID debuted in 2012 under AB Entertainment and is currently under AB Entertainment and Banana Culture Entertainment. At this time it is unknown whether EXID’s contract will be renewed.
7. AOA
AOA debuted in 2012 under FNC Entertainment. Two of the group’s eight original members have parted ways with FNC, but fans hope that the remaining six members will be able to continue their group activities in 2019.
8. Hello Venus
Hello Venus was formed in 2012 by Tricell Media. The group’s debut was strong, but group activities began to dwindle as members embarked on solo activities. Since Hello Venus has not produced a full studio since The Mystery of Venus in 2016, fans fear the contract may not be renewed.
9. FIESTAR
FIESTAR debuted in 2012 under Kakao M (formerly LOEN Entertainment). For two years, Fiestar produced music under LOEN’s sub-label Collabodadi before Collabodadi was dissolved and Fiestar was returned to the LOEN Tree. So far, it is uncertain whether or not Fiestar’s contract will be renewed under Kakao M.
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