iKON Ends Contract with YG Entertainment

South Korean group iKON will be leaving their longtime label YG Entertainment. The company broke the news earlier today via an official statement, confirming that the six members decided not to renew their contracts and will be moving on.

“We are informing you that after a long discussion with the iKON members (Kim Jinhwan, Bobby, Song Yunhyeong, Goo Junhoe, Kim Donghyuk, and Jung Chanwoo) about their future activities, out of respect for each other’s opinions, we agreed to end our exclusive contract following the expiration of their contract period,” said YGE via the statement, adding, “The six members of iKON will of course be continuing their activities as the group “iKON” in the future, and we are also letting you know that they will continue to communicate with iKONIC [iKON’s fans] through their official social media accounts, including their official fan community Weverse, just as they are now.”

While we have the confirmation that iKON plan to stay together, there’s no news about where they’ll be heading next. The members might choose separate labels for their solo activities, but there are also rumors they might launch their own agency together. iKON debuted under YGE in 2015, and comprises Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne and Chan. Originally a seven-member group, leader B.I left the lineup in 2019.

The news of iKON’s departure from YG Entertainment comes days after Big Bang members Taeyang and Daesung announced they would also be moving on from the label.