[NEWS] B1A4 Jinyoung·Baro leave WM…Remaining members re-sign
Five-member boy group B1A4′s Jinyoung (Jung Jin Young, 27) and Baro (Cha Sun Woo, 26) have decided to leave their agency.
After a long discussion leading up to the 30th, it has been reported that Jinyoung and Baro have ultimately made the decision to not renew their contracts with WM Entertainment. On the other hand, the other members Sandeul (Lee Jung Hwan, 26), CNU (Shin Dong Woo, 27) and Gongchan (Gong Chan Shik, 25) have decided to continue their relationship with WM through a contract renewal.
Although B1A4′s contracts did mean to end on April 23rd with their seventh anniversary, their contracts were extended until the end of June for further discussions of contract renewal.
According to a broadcasting official, “With the end of their contracts coming up, all members had a final discussion with their agency, and members Jinyoung and Baro have decided not to re-sign.” As well, “We are aware that WM Entertainment will respect each member’s decisions for their futures. The two leaving members have already received numerous love-calls from other agencies, and talks of contact with actor management companies have also come up.”
Although two members will be leaving their agency, there is still a large possibility that the remaining members will continue on as B1A4.
The group may either take an approach of allowing for open possibilities for future team activities (like Girls’ Generation when a few members did not re-sign with their label), or the remaining members may decide on a way to keep the team going themselves.
B1A4 debuted in 2011 and have released a number of hits including ‘What is Happening’, ‘Solo Day’, ‘Lonely’, ‘Sleep Well Goodnight’, ‘A Lie’ and have received love from Korea, Japan, and throughout Asia.
Leader Jinyoung took on the role of producer for the team, and his skills as a ‘Composer-dol’ were recognized. He also showed off his acting skills through dramas like ‘Moonlight Drawn By Clouds’, ‘Warm and Cozy’, and ‘Persevere Goo Hae Ra’.
Rapper Baro starred in the 2013 tvN drama ‘Reply 1994′ and received spotlight as an ‘actor-dol’, which lead to other projects including ‘God’s Gift-14 days’, ‘Angry Mom’, ‘Manhole’ and other entertainment shows such as ‘Youth Over Flowers’.
Main vocalist Sandeul whose vocal capabilities were widely recognized was able to release his solo album, and participate in a number of drama OSTs. Meanwhile, Gongchan participated in the web-drama ‘Delicious Love’, and CNU appeared in KBS 2TV sitcom ‘Sent From Heaven’ and OnStyle ‘The Body Show 3:My Bodyguard’.
With their busy individual projects, B1A4 was not able to do anything as a group around their seventh anniversary. In 2009, the Fair Trade Commission created a standard contract period of seven years for entertainers, and many artists’ exclusive contracts have largely been set for this seven-year period, leaving the discussion of renewal and transferring from agencies to take place after this period for a large number of artists.
UPDATE: Official comments from WM
“We, WM Entertainment, have had long discussions with the members of B1A4 leading up to the end of their contracts. And in the end, we are fully respecting the decisions of Jinyoung and Baro, who have decided to walk their own paths in order to reach their dreams.”
“In their current positions they have decided to take on a new path, and so we will send them our truthful cheers for the members’ new beginnings.” “We will work our hardest and fully support CNU, Sandeul, and Gongchan in their growth moving forward. Also, for the many fans who love B1A4 and cheer for them endlessly, we will work hard for you too.” “We apologize for any trouble this may have caused in many fans’ hearts, and now at this new starting point, we ask for your blessings toward the B1A4 members, and for your never-ending warm love and interest toward them.”
Source: Yonhap News / OSEN Trans: roz @ bethe1all4one Please remove all translations with full credits to source and translator.