BLACKPINK Leaving YG Entertainment Following Other Stars

YG Entertainment has been known as one of the “Big Three” Kpop companies and home of the biggest Kpop stars and prominent actors. However, in the past few months, the company has been through some massive changes. The rumor of BLACKPINK leaving YG Entertainment has spread, following TREASURE Bang Yedam and Mashiho, BIGBANG Daesung and Taeyang, iKON members, and actor Kang Dong Won. What is really happening? Is it a downfall for YG Entertainment?

Table of Contents

Big Artists Leaving YG Entertainment, What Is Happening?

TREASURE Bang Yedam and Mashiho Leaving YG Entertainment

Earlier this year, TREASURE Bang Yedam and Mashiho decided to leave YG Entertainment to focus on different things. Bang Yedam is said to pursue his career as a producer. Meanwhile, Mashiho has to focus on his health.

TREASURE has been promoting without Bang Yedam and Mashiho since May 2022. Furthermore, YG Entertainment confirmed that TREASURE would be promoting as a 10-member group from July 2022.

BIGBANG Members Parting Ways One by One

Following the contract’s expiration, BIGBANG member Taeyang decided to move and sign a contract with The Black Label.

“Producer Teddy and artist Taeyang, who have worked together for a long time, will start anew at The Black Label based on their deep musical trust in each other.”
The Black Label

And on December 26, YG Entertainment announced that another BIGBANG member, Daesung, decided not to renew the contract. Just like Taeyang, although Daesung left the company, he is still part of BIGBANG.

“Daesung has decided to end his contract with us. He’s looking for a fresh start.”
YG Entertainment

Meanwhile, for G-Dragon, the company said they are still in the midst of contract negotiation. Previously, T.O.P decided to leave the company and broaden his solo career activities.

iKON Members Ending Their Contracts

Kpop 3rd generation boy group iKON | Pinterest

Earlier this November, rumors said that Bobby would leave YG Entertainment. However, the company denied it, saying, “The rumor is groundless. There is still time left on his contract.”

On December 30, the company released an official statement that all six members of iKON (Kim Jinhwan, Bobby, Song Yunhyeong, Goo Junhoe, Kim Donghyuk, and Jung Chanwoo) are leaving. However, despite their departure, they will stay as one group, iKON.

It is also reported that iKON will sign a contract with 143 Entertainment, a Korean record label and entertainment agency founded on June 9, 2020, by Digital Masta. However, until this article is released, an official confirmation has yet to be released.

Kang Dong Won Parting Ways with YG

Actor Kang Do Won | Pinterest — Actor Kang Dong Won | Pinterest

Not only did iKON decide to part ways with YG Entertainment, but actor Kang Dong Won also said goodbye to the company after seven years together. Once his current contract with the company expires, Kang Dong Won will be a free agent.

BLACKPINK Leaving YG Entertainment

The more surprising news comes from one of the biggest Kpop girl groups, BLACKPINK. After KpopHerald shared the information of BLACKPINK leaving YG Entertainment, fans eagerly questioned what is happening within the company.

It is reported that BLACKPINK is changing their management label to THE BLACK LABEL, following Taeyang. Yet, the company said that the rumor is groundless as Jennie, Lisa, Rose, and Jisoo still have time left on their contract.

“I’m not in the position to confirm the news, but our contracts with the members have not yet ended. It’s hard to confirm whether they will sign with The Black Label or not after their contracts end.”
YG Entertainment

Who Is THE BLACK LABEL?

Taeyang joins The Black Label right after leaving YG Entertainment. And issues said that Blackpink would also follow Taeyang. So, who is The Black Label?

The Black Label was initially a subsidiary of YG Entertainment, which meant that YG controlled over 50% of The Black Label.

However, The Black Label has become an associate company under YG Entertainment since November 2020. Different from being a subsidiary, an associate company means that the parent company (YGE) controls 20-50% of the company. In fact, YG Entertainment controls around 30% of The Black Label.

Teddy and Kush founded The Black Label in 2016. As all Kpop fans know, Teddy is the one behind Blackpink’s hit songs (as well as other YG artists) and is called ‘the music wizard.’

Is It YG Entertainment Downfall?

Leaving an agency after the contract expires is not uncommon in the Kpop industry. However, the unusual number of artists leaving YG Entertainment makes Kpop enthusiasts question the agency’s future.

YG Entertainment is known as one of the “Big Three” in South Korea, alongside JYP Entertainment and SM Entertainment. It is possible that YG is making some changes within the company, but it doesn’t seem to be their downfall.

Along with the news of several artists leaving YG Entertainment in 2022, the company also dropped a poster of their new girl group. The poster announced that the “next movement” is coming on January 1, 2023.

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