The popular boy group debuted in May 2015 and, as expected, their contract ran out this year. That is why the members of Monsta X have been in negotiations with their agency Starship Entertainment since May of this year.
A contract renewal is a turning point where fans hold their breath, because it often means bad news. After seven years, it is not uncommon for one or several members to have had enough and want to go their own way. When the first contract of an idol group expires, it therefore often leads to the group disbanding or continuing with fewer members.
Monsta X fans have therefore been keeping their fingers crossed since May that things would carry on as usual, and yesterday the long-awaited good news finally came: Monsta X will continue to stand on stage as six in the coming years too!
In fact, Starship Entertainment had already announced on May 9 that Shownu, Kihyun and Hyungwon had renewed their contracts. The negotiations with Minhyuk, Jooheon and I.M continued, however. Minhyuk and Jooheon ultimately decided to stay with Starship Entertainment after all, while I.M decided to go his own way.
He explained to his fans in the official fan cafe that he wants to take on new challenges. Although he is now leaving Starship, he will continue to be a part of Monsta X and will prioritize activities with the group!
Even though that may sound complicated at first, several examples in recent years have shown that groups can be active together even when the members are at home in different agencies: 2PM, GOT7 or SNSD.
