Five former members of the K-pop girl group fromis_9 have signed exclusive contracts with ASND, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their careers. ASND officially announced on Tuesday that Song Ha Young, Park Ji Won, Lee Na Gyung, Lee Chae Young, and Baek Ji Heon joined the newly established agency last month, signaling their intent to continue as a team.

While the members have transitioned to a new management company, discussions are actively ongoing with Pledis Entertainment regarding the continued use of the fromis_9 group name. Pledis previously managed the group until their contracts expired in December 2023, leading to the members’ departure. ASND expressed optimism about the negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the group’s identity and legacy.

Fromis_9 originally debuted in 2018 through Mnet’s survival audition show Idol School, quickly gaining popularity for their catchy tracks and synchronized performances. The group underwent a lineup change in 2022 when member Jang Gyu Ri departed to pursue an acting career, leaving the team as an eight-member ensemble. However, following the expiration of their contracts last year, the group saw another shift as three members—Lee Sae Rom, Lee Seo Yeon, and Roh Ji Sun—opted not to join ASND, leading to the current formation of five.

ASND, though a new player in the entertainment industry, has made it clear that they plan to actively support the five members in maintaining their musical careers and exploring new creative opportunities. The agency stated, “We are dedicated to providing an environment where each member can flourish individually and collectively. Our primary focus is ensuring that their connection with fans remains strong.”

The announcement has sparked widespread attention among fans, who have been eager to see what lies ahead for the former fromis_9 members. Many expressed hope that the group name would be retained, allowing continuity in their discography and fan community, while others showed excitement for the possibility of fresh directions in their music and image.

The five members—each known for their distinct talents and personalities—are anticipated to continue performing together, though their future concept and musical direction remain under wraps. ASND hinted at upcoming projects, including the potential release of new music and fan events, though no specific timeline has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the remaining three members, Lee Sae Rom, Lee Seo Yeon, and Roh Ji Sun, have yet to announce their plans, leaving fans curious about whether they will pursue solo activities or align with new agencies.

The potential continuation of the fromis_9 name holds significance, not only for the members but also for their dedicated fanbase, Flover, who have followed the group’s journey since their debut. The negotiations with Pledis will determine whether the name and associated brand can be carried forward under ASND’s management.

As the five former fromis_9 members prepare for their next steps, industry insiders are watching closely to see how this move impacts the broader K-pop landscape. If successful, the transition could serve as a blueprint for other idol groups seeking continuity after agency changes.

Fans can look forward to official updates from ASND in the coming weeks as plans for the members’ future activities take shape. For now, anticipation remains high as the five idols prepare to re-enter the K-pop scene with renewed energy and a clear vision for their evolving careers.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com