Five out of eight members of fromis_9 have signed exclusive contracts with new label ASND (pronounced as Ascend) following the termination of their contract with HYBE’s sister agency Pledis Entertainment in December last year.
On January 26, it was confirmed that only Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Nagyung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon would continue to promote as a group, as mentioned in ASND’s official statement.
The three members – Lee Saerom, Lee Seoyeon and Roh Jisun – who have decided to separate from the team will carry out their individual activities under different labels.
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The five idols will hold album activities and concerts for their devoted fans, Flowers; therefore, the remaining members ask them to continue supporting the girl group despite the transition.
“The ASND would like to express our sincere gratitude to (our) artists who showed great courage and decided to join us,” the company said News1.
“We promise to give them generous support and encouragement so that they can pursue their dreams in the future.”
Amid the bittersweet announcement, fans also raised concerns about the quintet’s group name.
Discussions are currently ongoing between the current and former labels regarding potentially using “fromis_9” as the official name for the group acquiring the branding from the former agency.
While some fans are excited about the possible continuity in the use of the name, others are against it hoping for a brand new one that symbolizes a fresh start for the quintet.
on the lowest of low tones IF ALL OF THIS PROVES TRUE and 5 members continue together, IMO I think it would be nice if they had a completely new name to give them a fresh start and not confuse the general public as to “why” they are fromis_9 if they are there only 5 members”
— emma 🍀 forever with fromis (@flovercarat) January 26, 2025
like fromis_9 there will ALWAYS be 9 members and each member will receive the same support and love from me, but I think retiring the name fromis_9 would be a good thing and give them the opportunity to grow and show a new chapter of themselves
— emma 🍀 forever with fromis (@flovercarat) January 26, 2025
I still can’t process fromis_9 not being 8 anymore, I lost seoyeon and gyuri..
🙁 if you know me, I love the feel of my rhythm unit, but I didn’t want to say that because they should be the only ones debuting 😔
atp perhaps will debut under another name ala viviz
— bobi (@bobranghae) January 26, 2025
Meanwhile, the reason why fans want the girl group to keep its name is driven by the hope that the eight or nine members can reunite one day.
They argue that the name embodies their essence as a group, serving as a vital part of their identity since debut, regardless of whether they are nine years old or younger.
They should keep the name Fromis_9. The nostalgia will be huge when they reunite all nine members down the road for a reunion concert. https://t.co/DanB3N9G2G
— Manchief {Fifty Fifty OT5} (@manila_chor) January 26, 2025
It’s easier to just keep the name. You don’t need to spend money on a new lightstick, they are already known as fromis_9 and the 9 can be easily explained. If people examine them more carefully, they will understand the name
— Kenji Watanabe (@R3dM4skD3m0n) January 26, 2025
I wish them all the success in this new chapter! I hope they can keep the fromis_9 name too.
— Jasdev Singh 5055 (@5055Jasdev) January 26, 2025
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