Star Empire Entertainment released an official statement following rumors that ZE:A is leaving the company. The contract for the nine-member South Korean boy group is set to expire in December and rumors have it that the group will depart from the agency and disband. Star Empire also gave a warning to companies that might approach their artists while they are still in contract.
"ZE:A's contract term with us has yet to end. It's not true that they will be turning into FA's (Free Agents). Currently, we have been discussing the matter over with the members," Star Empire said, according to Soompi. "We will take legal action against other agencies who approach our artists during the remaining contract term," the company added.
ZE:A, also known as Children of Empire, debuted in 2010 with members Kevin, Kwanghee, Siwan, Lee Hoo, Taeheon, Heechul, Minwoo, Hyungsik and Dongjun. Their debut single album "Nativity" was released on Jan. 7, 2010, and ranked number one on both the "Artist Chart" and "Album Chart" upon release.
However, the group has not been active recently. Their most recent album release was on Sept. 18, 2015 and most of the members are focusing on individual activities. Kwanghee is busy with his variety shows. He joined the official cast of popular reality show "Infinite Challenge" in 2015. Siwan, Hyunsik and Dongjun are busy with acting projects. Siwan got lead roles in dramas including "Triangle" (2014), "Misaeng" (2014), "My Catman" (2016) and "The King Loves" (2017). Hyunsik landed main roles on "High Society" (2016), "Hwarang: The Beginning" (2016) and "Strong Woman Do Bong-soon" (2017). As for Dongjun, his projects include "Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul Ho," "I Still Love You" and "Happy Hostage" all in 2016. Meanwhile, Minwoo will be active in the military until 2017.
Fans, on the other hand, are in favor of ZE:A leaving the company. Fan comments via Koreaboo say they do not function much as a group and that ZE:A deserves a company that will promote the group more.
