More and More K-pop Top Idols Leave Their Companies: What’s Driving it?

In the past, idols not leaving their companies on good terms often faced struggles in the Korean industry, even being blacklisted, as exemplified by Jessica from Girls’ Generation and Junsu, Jaejoong, and Yoochun from TVXQ. Even if an idol’s exit was smooth, their careers would frequently lose momentum without the backing of their long-term companies.

However, this seems to be changing. In the past year, the K-pop scene has witnessed a wave of idols departing from their companies while still remaining part of their groups.

Notable examples include BLACKPINK and BIGBANG leaving YG, along with members of SNSD, Super Junior, EXO, and SHINee parting ways with SM. So, what’s behind this situation?

Slave contracts and unfair treatment 

For a long period, the public had gotten used to associating idols closely with their respective companies. For instance, mention BLACKPINK or BIGBANG, and one immediately thinks of YG. Similarly, EXO, SNSD, Super Junior, and SHINee are representative groups under SM.

The music style and fashion of idols often reflect the image that their companies have meticulously crafted. Companies are responsible for producing music, organizing activities, and shaping the overall public image of idols. They also become a significant part of idols’ lives, from their early days as trainees to their rise to stardom.

However, this relationship isn’t always rosy. Behind the glamor of the stage lie numerous challenges, known only to those within the industry. 

Reasons prompting idols to bid farewell to their companies even after years together often stem from issues such as unfair contracts and mistreatment. 

On June 1, 2023, fans were taken aback by news of EXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen filing a lawsuit against SM, seeking to terminate what they termed “slave contracts.” The trio requested detailed records of their earnings and payments from March to May that year, citing discrepancies in their income. However, SM refused to disclose the information to them.

EXO-CBX alleged that SM coerced artists into signing long-term exclusive contracts lasting 12-13 years, with repeated requests for early extensions, ultimately stretching the contract to 17-18 years. Including the trainee period, this meant artists would be tied to SM for over two decades, leading them to feel pressured into signing “slave contracts.”

After a period of negotiations, SM and EXO-CBX eventually reached a settlement. They continued together until January 2024, when Baekhyun announced the establishment of his own company, recruiting Chen and Xiumin. Despite this, they maintained their status as EXO members and continued to carry out group activities under the management of SM.

Unfair treatment is another factor that has left many veteran idols deciding to depart from their companies. Upon debut, rookies receive full support from their companies. However, after achieving fame, companies often start to neglect veteran idols to focus on rookies. G-Dragon’s departure from YG is a case in point.

In October 2023, G-Dragon was embroiled in a drug use investigation. G-Dragon vehemently denied the allegations, while YG simply stated that he was no longer their artist, thus refusing to comment on the matter. 

This incident served as the final straw that led G-Dragon to leave YG. At that time, YG had already prepared a new contract, and G-Dragon was willing to renew. However, when he faced a huge scandal, YG didn’t back him up. This wounded G-Dragon, prompting him to leave YG after nearly two decades. 

He sought refuge with Galaxy Corporation after being vindicated of drug allegations, as the CEO had actively supported G-Dragon during his time of need.

Advance solo careers

Wanting to advance their solo careers is another reason why idols choose to leave their companies. After achieving fame, many idols wish to explore new areas of activity. The company can become a limiting factor compared to their ambitions and future plans. BLACKPINK, SNSD, and Super Junior are prime examples.

After seven years in the industry, BLACKPINK has become the top K-pop girl group globally. The members not only boast an impressive music career but are also fashion icons, sought after worldwide. The fame of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa has long transcended the borders of Korea, proving that they don’t need YG to build successful individual careers.

Specifically, Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa have established their own company. It’s undeniable that after leaving YG, BLACKPINK members are thriving individually, with schedules even busier than when they were exclusive artists under YG. 

Similarly, former members of SNSD and Super Junior have expanded their horizons after leaving SM. Seohyun, Tiffany, and Sooyoung, who departed from SM in 2017, have pursued diverse activities beyond the confines of SM. 

Seohyun and Sooyoung have signed with actor management agencies and have become familiar faces on screens. Meanwhile, Tiffany has released a solo album in the US and ventured into musicals, opportunities she didn’t have while under SM.

Donghae and Eunhyuk have set up their own company to continue their subunit activities, while Kyuhyun has joined Atenna, a company owned by Yoo Jae Suk. Despite their individual pursuits, the three members continue to be active as part of Super Junior under SM. 

Similarly, SHINee’s Onew and Taemin are the latest to leave SM, but they stay in the group. In an environment as competitive and crowded as SM, with an influx of new idols and limited resources, many fans fully support the decision of veteran idols to strike out on their own paths.

Source: k14