The Boyz to restart group activities under new label after contract dispute

SEOUL, September 14 (Yonhap) -- K-pop group The Boyz announced on Monday plans to resume group activities under the banner of 78 Records, a newly established label, following a recent legal victory to sever ties with their former agency over unpaid settlement disputes. Consisting of nine members -- Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric -- the group will now be managed collectively by 78 Records for their collective endeavors, while individual schedules will be overseen by their respective personal agencies, according to the label's statement.

The group expressed gratitude for the label's unwavering support and cooperation. Established by seasoned industry professionals who have collaborated with The Boyz since their debut in 2017 under Cre.ker Entertainment, a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment, 78 Records finalized its corporate structure recently. The group previously transitioned to IST Entertainment in 2021 and signed with One Hundred Label in late 2024.

However, in February 2024, nine members of the group petitioned for the termination of their contracts, claiming unpaid settlement payments. In April, the Seoul Central District Court issued an injunction suspending the exclusive contracts with One Hundred Label, paving the way for the nine-member group to disband. Although one member, New, who did not join the lawsuit, reached a separate agreement to sever his contract with One Hundred in August, provided he returned his signing fee, he is anticipated to pursue a solo career, as reported by various media outlets.

Following the injunction, The Boyz reconstituted as a nine-member ensemble without New, each member signing individual agreements with distinct agencies for their respective projects.