departure
Culture
The Fragmentation of EXO: Legal Realities Cultural Nuances and the Weight of Jeong in Kris Wu’s Departure from SM Entertainment
On May 15, 2014, the global K-pop industry was thrust into a state of profound volatility when Kris Wu (Wu Yifan), the leader of EXO-M, filed a lawsuit against his management agency, SM Entertainment, to terminate his exclusive contract. The legal action, filed at the Seoul Central District Court, sent shockwaves through a fandom that ... Read more
May 30, 2026
Breaking News
NCT Member’s Rumored Career Move "Confirms" His Departure
In a development that has sent ripples through the global K-pop community, NCT and WayV member Winwin (Dong Sicheng) is reportedly finalizing a significant career transition, with rumors circulating that he has signed with Chinese agency Zhaosen Entertainment. This alleged move, if confirmed, would effectively solidify his departure from his K-pop group activities and SM ... Read more
May 27, 2026
Interviews & Editorials
KISU Embarks on a New Chapter as an Independent Solo Artist Following Departure from 24K and Military Discharge
The South Korean music industry is witnessing a significant transition as Choi Kisu, professionally known as KISU, formalizes his return to the spotlight as an independent solo artist. This move follows his official departure from the K-pop boy group 24K in 2019 and the successful completion of his mandatory military service in mid-2020. By choosing ... Read more
May 24, 2026
Culture
The Cultural and Legal Complexities of Kris Wu’s Departure from EXO and the Evolving Landscape of SM Entertainment’s Artist Relations
On May 15, 2014, the South Korean entertainment industry was jolted by the news that Kris Wu, the leader of EXO-M, had filed a lawsuit against his management agency, SM Entertainment, to terminate his exclusive contract. The filing, submitted to the Seoul Central District Court by the law firm Hankyul, alleged that the agency treated ... Read more
May 23, 2026
Interviews & Editorials
KISU Embarks on a New Chapter as an Independent Solo Artist Following Departure from 24K and Completion of Military Service
The landscape of the South Korean music industry is frequently defined by its rapid evolution and the transition of seasoned performers from group dynamics to solo ventures. Choi Kisu, known professionally as KISU, has officially announced his return to the music scene as an independent solo artist. This move comes after a significant hiatus during ... Read more
May 17, 2026
Interviews & Editorials
Former 24K Member KISU Announces Return as Independent Solo Artist Following Military Service and Group Departure
Choi Kisu, known professionally by the mononym KISU, has officially signaled his return to the music industry as an independent solo artist, marking a significant transition from his previous tenure as the main vocalist of the K-pop boy group 24K. After a period of mandatory military service and a subsequent hiatus from the mainstream spotlight, ... Read more
May 10, 2026