Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| From left, Sowon, Eunha, Yerin, SinB, Umji and Yuju of K-pop girl group GFriend pose during an album showcase in Seoul on July 13, 2020. Korea Times file |
By Dong Sun-hwa
K-pop girl group GFriend will terminate its contract with its management company, Source Music, on May 22, pushing the group to the brink of dissolution.
Source Music made the announcement Tuesday, saying GFriend's members have decided to go their separate ways.
"The decision came after an in-depth talk ― the members will attempt to showcase a better version of themselves on their own individual paths," the company said in a statement.
It added, "For six years, GFriend has won the hearts of numerous K-pop fans with their music and performances. We are truly thankful to all members for working together with us for many years, and would also like to send our thanks to the fans for giving them so much love. Please support them in the future, too."
The statement is believed to hint at the dissolution of the six-member act, which debuted in 2015. GFriend's members have yet to comment on the issue.
The band's legions of fans are shocked by the unexpected news.
"GFriend isn't the type of group to disband without at least a proper farewell. Also, another reason I refuse to believe any of this… the girls are too quiet," one fan wrote on Twitter.
Another wrote, "I don't feel like listening to any GFriend songs… I feel like I'm going to cry non-stop."
GFriend, consisting of Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB and Umji, debuted with the EP, "Season of Glass." It put out a string of hits such as "Glass Bead," (2015) "Me gustas tu (2015)" and "Apple" (2020). In 2019, Source Music was acquired by Big Hit Entertainment, the record label behind K-pop giant BTS that recently changed its name to HYBE. GFriend's latest album, "回:Walpurgis Night," fronted by the lead track, "Mago," was released last November.
