queen9play (G)I-DLE confirms full-unit contract renewal at Melon Music Awards 2024
(G)I-DLE members (From left) Minnie, Miyeon, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua during the 2024 Melon Music Awards. Image: X/@G_I_DLE
After months of speculation, (G)I-DLE officially announced the renewal of their contracts with Cube Entertainment as a full unit, during the 2024 Melon Music Awards (MMA) held at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, Saturday, November 30.
The group also swept five major awards at the event, including Record of the Year, Artist of the Year, KakaoBank Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.
Article continues after this advertisementDuring their acceptance speech, leader Soyeon directly addressed rumors about the group’s disbandment.
FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Vice Ganda is mothering in ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’ poster ENTERTAINMENT Neri Naig hospitalized for ‘medical evaluation’ after arrest, BJMP says ENTERTAINMENT Crazy Jhenny, December 2, 2024“There have been many speculations about (G)I-DLE disbanding because my contract with the agency had ended. But it’s not just me, all five of us have decided to renew our contracts,” she said.
“We talked about this before stepping on stage today. We’ll be together not just next year or the year after but for life, so please don’t worry. We’ll repay you with great music next year,” she added.
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Debuting in May 2018, (G)I-DLE faced the expiration of their initial contracts with Cube Entertainment in 2024. Speculation about the group’s future intensified when Soyeon, the group’s leader and primary songwriter and producer, reached the end of her contract in November, earlier than the other members due to her solo contract signed in 2017.
Article continues after this advertisementSoyeon had previously fueled speculation during the group’s Seoul concert in August, where she performed a solo rap with lyrics referencing her contract, saying, “Contract ends in November. Who’s stopping me?” A giant screen displaying the phrase, “Contract Ends in November,” added to the buzz.
The uncertainty impacted Cube Entertainment’s stock prices and led to rumors of failed negotiations. The agency later confirmed the contract’s expiration but emphasized that renewal discussions were ongoing. Soyeon reignited speculation at the 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Osaka, Japan, on Nov. 23, performing another rap hinting at her contract status.
Article continues after this advertisementThe rumors were finally put to rest at the MMA 2024, where the group confirmed their commitment to continue as a full unit. On Sunday, Soyeon further reassured fans through her personal social media, writing, “All five of us shared the same desire to stay together. I am so happy and proud that I can continue to lead (G)I-DLE as a team for a long time.”
View this post on InstagramCube also confirmed the K-pop girl group’s renewal in a statement on its social media platforms on Monday, December 2, after “thorough discussions” with Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to (G)I-DLE for their trust and commitment, which have made this important step possible. As we move forward into an exciting new chapter, we also wish to express our thanks to the fans who have been patiently awaiting this announcement,” it said.
pic.twitter.com/dHVEmVG6nz
— (G)I-DLE·(여자)아이들 (@G_I_DLE) December 2, 2024
(G)I-DLE is best known for their hit songs “Queencard,” “Tomboy,” “Nxde,” “Hwaaqueen9play,” “Latata,” and “My Bag,” to name a few.
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