South Korean label Starship Entertainment announced on Monday that it has renewed contracts with five of the six members of pop group MONSTA X. Shownu, Kihyun, Minhyuk, Hyungwon and, Joohoney have renewed their contracts but I.M has chosen to not do so. But, he plans to move forward with group activities.
According to Korean media Soompi, on August 8, Starship Entertainment shared a statement on the status of MONSTA X’s contracts. “Hello. This is Starship Entertainment. We once again express deep gratitude to the MONBEBE around the world who continuously show love and support for MONSTA X,” the statement began.
“Starship Entertainment recently renewed contracts with five of our agency artist MONSTA X’s members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Jooheon,” the statement continued. “As all six members still have unchanging affection for MONSTA X and MONBEBE, we have come to a mutual agreement for I.M to continue together for future group activities.”
It further read, “Based on the loyalty and trust we have built up with each other, we will put in our full effort for the members’ future activities to shine even brighter. We promise to provide full and systematic support. We have had sincere discussions with I.M, but our exclusive contract with him will unfortunately come to an end.”
“We express deep gratitude for I.M’s hard work, efforts, and devotion over the years. We will cheer on and support I.M’s future activities and his new path. MONSTA X has concluded their break of one month. We are preparing with the members in order for them to greet you with diverse group and individual activities.”
The agency concluded the statement writing, “We ask that you continue to cheer on, send warm encouragement, and support the six members of MONSTA X.”
MONSTA X debuted in 2015 with the EP Trespass (2015). The band was formed through Starship and Mnet’s music survival program No.Mercy (2014-15). The group’s last album was Shape Of Love.
