Singer and actor Lee Junho and JYP Entertainment maintained their mutual trust until the end and adorned their beautiful farewell.
According to OSEN on the 20th, Lee Junho, despite having agreed not to renew his contract with JYP Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as JYP), has been confirmed to be taking a cautious approach without actively searching for a new agency.
Earlier that morning, JYP issued an official statement saying, "We inform you that the exclusive contract with Lee Junho will end on April 15. After a long period of deep discussion, the company and the artist have decided not to proceed with a renewal."
JYP said, "Lee Junho, who debuted in 2008 as a member of the group 2PM, has devoted himself to his work as a singer and actor, continuing to excel in both fields. Based on the deep trust between us, we have renewed the contract several times, sharing the artist's shining season. We sincerely appreciate Lee Junho for being with the company for 17 years, and above all, we are thankful to the fans who send endless love and support in response to his efforts."
Lee Junho also expressed his gratitude to JYP, saying, "I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support over the past 17 years. I will cherish the relationships built during our long time together and the value of the support you have given me as I move on."
The contract termination point between Lee Junho and JYP is April 15, meaning there is still about a month left. In the case of actors, it's common to officially announce their contract expiration, and it is rare to formalize a breakup early, especially when no rumors of transitioning to a new agency have surfaced.
In particular, when the renewal of contracts with agencies fails, actors or singers often hold meetings with potential new agencies or prepare to establish their own planning companies. However, this can lead to rumors about contract renewals or transfers to other agencies being reported before such matters are official, which can also result in unpleasant rumors such as tampering allegations.
Thus, Lee Junho chose to wait instead of hastily confirming his new status. According to OSEN, although he has decided not to renew with JYP, he has been confirmed not to have held significant meetings or actively searched for a new agency.
The Korea Entertainment Management Association states that it is permissible to contact other agencies or discuss exclusive contracts starting three months before the contract ends. Particularly, as Lee Junho is a Hallyu star who has achieved great success both domestically and internationally as a singer and actor, many agencies are extending love calls. Nevertheless, Lee Junho reportedly waited cautiously to uphold the trust with JYP, which he has been with since his debut 17 years ago.
In response to Lee Junho's decision, JYP also showed consideration. Recently, as inquiries regarding the end of Lee Junho's contract and renewal continued, it has been reported that JYP decided to announce the 'end of exclusive contract' as soon as possible to allow him to meet with and find a new agency without any burden.
JYP emphasized that "while the official contract has concluded, JYP Entertainment will always support Lee Junho's new challenges and brilliant endeavors. Additionally, the company plans to continue managing Lee Junho’s activities in Japan and will actively support any necessary collaboration in the future. "
Meanwhile, Lee Junho debuted as a member of the group 2PM in 2008 and has received love from global fans through various hit songs. He began his official acting career in 2013 with the film "The Suspect." Since then, he has solidified his standing as a lead actor by appearing in films like "Twenty," "The Lady in the Item," and dramas like "Chief Kim," "My Country: The New Age," "Confession," "The Red Sleeve," and "King the Land."
He is set to release a Netflix series titled "Cashier" this year and is currently in the midst of filming the new tvN drama "The Typhoon Trading Company," which is scheduled to air this fall.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]