Tension Surrounds fromis_9

In an unexpected twist for fans of the popular girl group fromis_9, members Lee Chaeyoung and Baek Jiheon have hinted at difficulties regarding the use of their group name under their new agency, ASND. Following the expiration of their contracts with Pledis Entertainment on December 31, 2024, five of the group's members — including Chaeyoung and Jiheon — signed with ASND in January 2025. However, the agency's negotiations with Pledis for the group's name rights are reportedly facing obstacles.

Messages from Lee Chaeyoung and Baek Jiheon

In recent heartfelt messages shared on the fan communication platform fromm, both Chaeyoung and Jiheon expressed their feelings about the situation. Chaeyoung reassured fans—lovingly referred to as "flover"—that she would do her best to return as fromis_9, though she acknowledged that the ultimate decision may not be in their hands. She said, “If we end up coming back with a different name that's not fromis_9, you still have to love us, okay? It’s not up to us.”

Adding a personal note, she also mentioned the fans' continuity during these trying times: “Thank goodness, we can still protect flover. What a relief.”

Baek Jiheon echoed similar sentiments, expressing her frustration over the situation. In her message, she voiced her hopes to maintain the integrity of their group name while asserting that their intentions were purely to protect it, rather than for financial gain. Jiheon candidly shared her struggle with sleepless nights over the negotiations, stating, "There are still hurdles to overcome... But know that we never once considered anything in terms of money."

Fan Reactions and Industry Context

Fans have reacted with a mix of concern and skepticism regarding the situation, voicing their worries about the future of fromis_9 and sharing reflections based on previous cases with other groups under HYBE Labels, such as GFRIEND. Many express that they fear a similar outcome where the name might be retained by the agency, pointing to the history of companies placing unreasonable demands on group names after contract disputes.

The negotiations appear to be reflective of broader industry trends, with prior instances illustrating that groups often need to engage in complex agreements to retain their names. If negotiations proceed unfavorably, fans may soon see fromis_9 operating under a different name, an outcome that could profoundly impact their identity and relationship with fans.

Hope for Resolution

As this unfolding story continues, both fans and members remain hopeful for a resolution, highlighting the struggles many K-pop artists face when navigating their careers amidst corporate complexities. The coming days are crucial as ASND seeks clarity in these negotiations, and the future of fromis_9 hangs in the balance.