K-Pop Surprise: Lee Chae Yeon's Departure Sparks Speculation

The K-Pop world is abuzz with drama as Lee Chae Yeon, the beloved former member of IZ*ONE and now a solo star, has announced her exit from WM Entertainment. This shocking news comes just as the long-tenured CEO, Lee Won Min, was dismissed amidst serious management issues.

On September 12, 2025, WM Entertainment released a statement regarding Lee Chae Yeon’s contract termination. The company expressed gratitude for her contributions, stating, "After long discussions, we have agreed to terminate our exclusive contract with Lee Chae Yeon. Scheduled activities will continue without issue, and we will keep providing support during this period. We sincerely thank her for the time spent growing with us as both an IZ*ONE member and solo artist, and we wish her the best in her new beginnings."

A Star on the Rise: From Group Fame to Solo Success

Lee Chae Yeon made her debut through the popular reality show Produce 48 in 2018, and quickly rose to fame as part of the hit group IZ*ONE until its disbandment in 2021. Since launching her solo career in 2022, she has been steadily carving out her identity as a solo artist.

Coincidence or Conspiracy? Fans Sense Something Fishy!

The timing of these events is raising eyebrows. CEO Lee Won Min was ousted due to ongoing management struggles, leading to rumors of chaos within the agency. Inside sources reveal that his firing has triggered a ripple effect, with several executives reportedly leaving the company as well. Now, with both a key leader and a top artist exiting WM Entertainment almost simultaneously, fans are left questioning: is this all just a coincidence?

As speculation runs rampant, many are curious about what this means for the future of WM Entertainment and the artists associated with it. Will Lee Chae Yeon find greater success outside the agency? What’s next for WM amid these upheavals?