MUSIC
K-Pop Group ATBO Parts Ways with IST Entertainment After Three Years
On the 17th, IST Entertainment announced, "After extensive and sincere discussions with the members, we have decided to terminate our exclusive contract with ATBO."
The agency further explained, "We carefully considered each member's present and future, their career directions, dreams, goals, and growth potential. Above all, we prioritized respecting the artists' wishes and supporting their future endeavors." They also noted that Jeong Seung-hwan, who is currently serving in the military, participated in the discussions, considering the team's and fans' sentiments.
IST added, "Although our journey with them ends here, we sincerely support each member as they continue their path in music and the arts under their own names."
ATBO debuted in July 2022, formed through the MBN audition program 'THE ORIGIN - A, B, Or What?' They later appeared on survival shows like JTBC's 'PEAK TIME' and Mnet's 'Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE' (referred to as 'Road to Kingdom'). Since the conclusion of 'Road to Kingdom' in November last year, ATBO has not been active.
In a related note, IST Entertainment announced the sudden termination of their contract with the girl group Weeekly in February, leading to their disbandment after five years.
Official Statement from IST Entertainment
Hello, this is IST Entertainment.
First, we sincerely thank all the fans who have consistently loved and supported ATBO.
After extensive and sincere discussions with the members, we have decided to terminate our exclusive contract with ATBO.
We carefully considered each member's present and future, their career directions, dreams, goals, and growth potential. Above all, we prioritized respecting the artists' wishes and supporting their future endeavors.
Jeong Seung-hwan, who is currently serving in the military, also participated in the discussions, deeply considering the team's and fans' sentiments.
During our time with ATBO, the members' passion and the unwavering support of the fans allowed us to create many shining moments.
We sincerely apologize for bringing this journey to an end.
Although our journey with them ends here, we sincerely support each member as they continue their path in music and the arts under their own names.
We look forward to the new beginnings of the members and will watch over them warmly from afar, hoping they shine even brighter.
We wish happiness, opportunities, love, and support for ATBO members Oh Jun-seok, Ryu Jun-min, Bae Hyun-jun, Jeong Seung-hwan, Kim Yeon-kyu, and Won Bin in their future endeavors. Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who have supported ATBO.
Thank you.
Reporter Kim Ji-won, TENASIA one@tenasia.co.kr
