(LEAD) Girl group GFRIEND members go separate ways after six years

▲ This photo provided by Source Music shows girl group GFRIEND.

SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Following boy group GOT7's departure from JYP Entertainment earlier this year, girl group GFRIEND will also leave after its exclusive contract with agency Source Music, ends on the 22nd.

"The exclusive contract with GFRIEND will end on the 22nd," Source Music said on the 18th. "After a long and in-depth discussion, we have decided to let the members thrive in their own paths."

However, the agency did not disclose whether the group will be disbanded completely as well as the future path each member has decided to take.

Source Music also added, "GFRIEND has opened a new generation for girl groups with various concepts, performances, and music while being loved by many fans. We sincerely thank GFRIEND for being with Source Music for the past six years."

"We ask everyone to send unwavering love and support to the members who will start working in various fields. Source Music will always support GFRIEND members who are preparing to take a new step towards a better future," the agency stated.

GFRIEND, including members Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji, debuted in January 2015 and received much love for their innocent and clean image. They have released a number of hit songs, including "Rough," "Me Gustas Tu," and "Glass Bead."

Since Source Music was acquired by BTS's agengy, HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit) in 2019, GFRIEND has released music with a mysterious and dreamy concept that was different from the past.

GFRIEND's latest fourth studio album, "回:Walpurgis Night" received positive responses by breaking the group's own record for their album's first week sales.

In January, when all the members of GOT7 moved to another agency, the issue of renewing the group's contract with their former agency, JYP Entertainment, emerged as an interest in the music industry.

In the case of girl group Mamamoo, which debuted in June 2014, members Moonbyul, Solar, and Hwasa renewed their contracts with their current agency, RBW, however news on Wheein's renewal was not heard.

However, in March, RBW emphasized that "We are discussing in depth about Wheein's contract renewal and there will be no disbandment of Mamamoo," and the group also announced to release their new mini-album "WAW" on June 2nd.

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