Apink's Eunji and Hayoung decided to open up about their plight on a recent show of KBS Joy's Ask Anything with their partnership agreement with their managing label steadily nearing completion.
Apink agreed to initially sign with Play M Entertainment a 7-year deal and afterward opted for a 3-year extension. But despite popular belief, Apink did not extend its agreement for profit or guarantees with Play M Entertainment.
They undertook it for one purpose alone, and it was exposed to the show by Eunji and Hayoung. "The fact is, this wasn't for compensation or benefits. We did so for the sake of Apink. If we move to some other company, we will no longer be able to use that title. Or be known under that name." (via Koreaboo)
The program crew sympathized with the girls' touching revelation and referred to the boy band, Highlight, who had to modify their Beast title when they transferred managing label. Nonetheless, whether or not Apink needs to reform labels or not, there's only one thing that is on their mind: to remain together as a complete membered-band.
Eunji and Hayoung also shared their thoughts about the "seven-year curse with girl groups," saying that they have entirely surpassed it now and still have the same original group members. They wanted to figure out if they can always be together in the coming years after their seventh year. Apink successfully debuted back in 2011, and their extended Play M Entertainment partnership is due for renewal in April 2021.
Only time will say if Apink will depart with the same managing label or not, but what united supporters know with certainty is that Apink does not intend to dissolve anytime soon.
Watch the whole program episode below!
ABOUT APINK
Apink is a girl band that currently represents Play M Entertainment, who made their debut in April 2011. The group released their first EP 'Seven Springs of Apink,' performed by seven members, namely Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jung Eunji, Son Naeun, Hong YooKyung, Kima Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung. Unfortunately, Hong departed the band in April 20013 with plans of focusing on her academic journey.
Apink has received honors at programs including the Golden Disc Awards, the Seoul Music Awards, and the Mnet Asian Music Awards following their successful debut in the K-pop industry.