UPDATE: STAR EMPIRE CONFIRMS IMFACT CONTRACTS HAVE ENDED
So far, four of the five IMFACT members have announced they've left Star Empire as of January 3, 2022. The members thanked their former company and their fans for the years they have spent together.
The group debuted in 2016 bursting onto the scene with their memorable music video for Lollipop.
You can read the members statements below.
Youngest member Ungjae took to Instagram and shared his departure in both English and Korean.
Main vocalist Jeup also shared a message to fans on Instagram:
Sharing a photo of all five members of IMFACT vocalist Lee Sang also confirmed he had left Star Empire.
Leader Jian took to the group's fancafe to share his own message. In it he also announces that although members have left Star Empire the group has not disbanded.
So, far the only member who has not released a statement on their contract is Taeho who recently enlisted. It's unlikely that Taeho will be able to personally deliver a message to fans given this recent enlistment, but if there are any messages delivered on his behalf we will update.
The group debuted in 2016 bursting onto the scene with their memorable music video for Lollipop.
You can read the members statements below.
Youngest member Ungjae took to Instagram and shared his departure in both English and Korean.
"Hello, I'm Na Ung Jae.
As of January 3, 2022, the contract with Star Empire has ended.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all staffs of the company and CEO Shin Joo-hak who have cared for me since I was young at the age of 16.
And please continue to support and pay attention to the activities of not only me but also 5 members
It's very cold. Everyone, be careful not to catch a cold.
I will cheer for you to be full of good things in 2022.
Thank you always and I love you."
[x]
Main vocalist Jeup also shared a message to fans on Instagram:
"Hello, fans.
It's IMFACT Jeup.
First of all, I'm sorry to suddenly tell you this news.
As of January 3, 2022, my exclusive contract with Star Empire was terminated.
Thank you to the staff who have worked hard so far, and thank CEO Shin Joo-hak for doing his best to help me.
I can't give you an answer because I'm sure how I'll appear in the future.
Thank you for your interest and support in Impact Jeup, a member of the Star Empire."
[x Translation via Papago]
Sharing a photo of all five members of IMFACT vocalist Lee Sang also confirmed he had left Star Empire.
"Hello, fans. I'm Lee Sang.
As of January 3, 2022, my exclusive contract with Star Empire was terminated.
I debuted through a group called IMFACT and I was so happy to be loved by so many fans. In the future, we will continue to cherish and cherish the name Impact.
Through a company called Star Empire, I experienced many things and was able to grow.
I will continue to live my life bravely.
Please support not only me but also our members' activities.
Lastly, thank you to CEO Shin Joohak and Star Empire family."
[x Translation via Papago]
Leader Jian took to the group's fancafe to share his own message. In it he also announces that although members have left Star Empire the group has not disbanded.
"IF, I'm sorry to tell you the heavy news. In conclusion, I ended my contract with Star Empire. It was a grateful company that allowed me to meet IF and the joy of debuting since I was a trainee, but due to circumstances, I couldn't be with them anymore, so we decided to break up well for each other. I think IF's biggest concern after hearing this news is whether Impact will disband. All the impact members continued their activities in such a difficult situation, and their military service overlapped, making it difficult to work as a whole group for the time being. However, I hope all the members will always be together, cherish the impact, draw a day when everyone will work happily in a good environment again, develop their own capabilities, and always try to meet IF again someday. So I want to tell you that it's not dismantling. IMFACT members are going to work hard in the future. Please cheer for us and let's always be healthy and happy! After I'm discharged from the army, I'll do my best to meet IF more often. You know, right? Just as I challenged the musical to meet IF in the military, I can do anything if I have a chance to meet IF again! IF, sleep tight! I don't know how this cafe will run now, but I often feel lonely for the time being. I'll communicate with you here! IF! Good night!"
[x Translation via Papago]
So, far the only member who has not released a statement on their contract is Taeho who recently enlisted. It's unlikely that Taeho will be able to personally deliver a message to fans given this recent enlistment, but if there are any messages delivered on his behalf we will update.
Star Empire has not released a statement about any of the members contracts at all, but if they do we will update.
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