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Han Seung Woo and IST Entertainment released official statements to announce the conclusion of their exclusive contract.
Han Seung Woo debuted with VICTON in 2016. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
South Korean actor-singer Han Seung Woo, aka Seungwoo, is parting ways with his agency IST Entertainment after 8 years. The 29-year-old singer has been under the agency ever since his debut in 2016. He first set his foot in the industry with the K-pop group VICTON, which originally comprised seven members. On November 27, both Seungwoo and IST Entertainment released official statements to announce the conclusion of their exclusive contract.
According to a report by Soompi, the entertainment agency posted a statement on their social media handle, revealing that Seungwoo’s exclusive contract with them has expired. The agency also mentioned that both parties have mutually agreed not to renew their contract.
IST Entertainment’s statement read: “We would like to express our gratitude to the fans who have loved and supported our artist, Han Seung Woo. We are sharing an official statement regarding the expiration of Han Seung Woo’s exclusive contract and his future activities. After extensive and thoughtful discussions leading up to the expiration of his contract, both parties have mutually agreed to respect each other’s decisions and concluded the exclusive contract.”
The agency further wished the 29-year-old actor-singer well in his future endeavours, highlighting their sincere support for the artist’s growth and bright future. IST Entertainment also asked Seungwoo’s supporters to keep sending love and support to him during his new beginning.
Meanwhile, Seungwoo shared a post on his Instagram account just after the agency released its statement. The actor-singer reminisced about his 10-year association with IST Entertainment since his trainee days. He also talked about witnessing the company’s transitions from A Cube, Plan A, Play M, to finally IST.
A part of his long note read: “Although starting anew feels a bit unfamiliar, I will continue to draw strength from HAN_A and the unwavering support of everyone who has cheered for my life and my music. Driven by my commitment to creating my own music, I will continue to work hard as I move forward. Thank you to IST Entertainment for being by my side all this time.”
Han Seung Woo, brother of popular South Korean singer-turned-actress Han Sun Hwa, debuted with VICTON and eventually garnered fame after participating in the survival show Produce X 101 in 2019. He was chosen as one of the members of group X1 after securing third place in the final ranking.
Seungwoo debuted with X1 in August 2019, but the group disbanded in 2020. Following this, he again started promoting with VICTON and made his solo debut in August 2020 with the mini album Fame. In 2021, the 29-year-old singer made his acting debut with the web series Love #Hashtag, and then he enlisted in the military. Seungwoo was discharged in January 2023.
