There is no denying that an increasing number of Korean idols from popular K-pop groups are choosing to work with different agencies or launch their own music labels for their solo careers.
Some of these well-known K-pop idols include BLACKPINK's Jennie, EXO's D.O., SHINee's Taemin, BTOB's Sungjae, and many more.
In February 2024, BLACKPINK member Jisoo made a new start in her solo career by establishing her own independent agency called BLISSOO. Despite not renewing her exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, she and other BLACKPINK members will continue their group activities under the label.
Lisa also launched her own agency, LLOUD, in February. The K-pop superstar's solo pursuits will now be handled by the label, while her group activities with BLACKPINK will continue under YG Entertainment.
Jennie joined fellow BLACKPINK members and established her own label called Odd Atelier in November 2023. The K-pop superstar also concluded her exclusive contract with YG Entertainment for her solo activities.
In October 2023, Doh Kyung-soo decided not to renew his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and joined his long-term manager's newly established label, Company SooSoo, which now handles his solo activities.
In June 2023, Baekhyun created his own management label, INB100, for his solo activities. Aside from Baekhyun, INB100 now manages the solo activities of EXO members Chen and Xiumin, while their group activities with EXO will continue under SM Entertainment.
After 16 years at former agency SM Entertainment, Taemin parted ways with the agency and chose to continue his solo endeavors with Big Planet Made Entertainment. Despite not renewing his contract, the K-pop idol will continue his group activities with SHINee under SM Entertainment.
In December 2023, Yook Sungjae signed an exclusive contract with IWill Media following the departure of BTOB from Cube Entertainment. Despite being signed under different agencies, with Changsub joining Fantagio and Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Hyunsik, and Peniel launching their own label called BTOB Company, the members have stated that they will continue their group activities.
KINO has established his own music label, NAKED, after leaving Cube Entertainment in October 2023. In his interview with GMANetwork.com, KINO stated that despite his departure from his former agency along with fellow PENTAGON members Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Wooseok, and Hongseok, "PENTAGON is and will be forever."
On April 3, Onew announced his comeback to the music scene after a long hiatus due to health issues since June 2023. The K-pop superstar decided not to renew his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and joined the newly established agency GRIFFIN Entertainment for his solo career. Onew will continue his group activities with SHINee under SM Entertainment.
Following his departure from SM Entertainment, which has been his home for 17 years, Kyuhyun signed an exclusive contract with Antenna in August 2023. The K-pop superstar will continue his group activities with Super Junior.
Eunhyuk and Donghae have established their own agency called ODE Entertainment after not renewing their individual contracts with SM Entertainment, which expired in August 2023. ODE Entertainment manages both their individual and D&E activities. The duo stated that they will always take part in Super Junior's group activities.