YG Entertainment: iKON signs with 143 Ent, new girl group Baby Monster teaser out, G-Dragon to make a comeback

YG Entertainment has not had an easy year in 2022 and it seems as though the upcoming one will be just as complex and demanding. A new round of updates regarding the acts under their care and the ones part of their original roster have been released.

iKON

Following the departure of all the members of iKON from their parent agency, YG Entertainment, the six artists Kim Jin Hwan, Bobby, Song Jun Hyeong, Kim Dong Hyuk, Koo Jun Hoe, and Jung Chan Woo were reported to have been signing with 143 Entertainment. While the members of iKON would leave YG Entertainment, they would continue to use the same communication channels as before for their fans. Many expected that they would be able to continue the group activities under the name of iKON only under the Yang Hyun Suk established agency. Initially, 143 Entertainment denied that they have signed any contract and were still in discussions with the artists, however on January 1 they confirmed that indeed a contract was signed with the aforementioned six artists who would promote under the name of iKON with them.

A collective statement from the group read, “The members came together with the thought of continuing the group activities as the top priority, and we worked with 143 Entertainment for this, the company of Producer DM with whom we have musically interacted for a long time.” iKON added, “We will continue to make iKON’s music more passionately to repay the warm support and love you have given us until now.”

Producer DM stands for Digital Masta, a producer who founded 143 Entertainment in 2020. Girl group LIMELIGHT and members Mashiro and Yeseo of the project group Kep1er which was formed as a result of the Mnet survival program ‘Girls Planet 999’, are the current artists of the company.

Producer DM revealed thoughts about signing iKON, “I feel reassured to have become one family with iKON who have unrivalled talent and energy. In the future, we will actively support them in all areas so that they can freely and fully pursue their music activities.”

Baby Monster

YG Entertainment unveiled its plans to debut a new girl group in 2023. To be called Baby Monster, it is set to have seven members as revealed through the ‘YG NEXT MOVEMENT’ teaser. Viewers found it surprising that Yang Hyun Suk decided to make an appearance in the introduction video as a producer. It is being said that BLACKPINK members Jennie and Lisa helped with the training of the group’s members by participating as mentors.

The teaser shows how the seven girls worked on their skills for 4 years and were evaluated monthly on their performance. WINNER’s Lee Seung Hoon and Kang Seung Yoon as well as AKMU’s Lee Suhyun and Lee Chanhyuk praised the girls on multiple aspects, raising excitement for their upcoming debut. BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jennie also seemed to have evaluated their efforts and seemed to be satisfied with the former even dancing with them in the practice room and the latter monitoring their performance. 

In a live broadcast, TREASURE members Jihoon, Jeongwoo, and Doyoung proudly announced the fact that they had now become seniors with the introduction of Baby Monster already out in the world. However, unaware if only their group or solo names were revealed to the world, they stayed careful about teasing too much. This is YG Entertainment’s first group revealed in over 3 years following TREASURE and the first girl group since BLACKPINK made their mark with a successful debut.

G-Dragon

The BIGBANG leader and iconic soloist, G-Dragon has announced that he will be releasing a lot of content in 2023 diffusing any rumours regarding his departure from YG Entertainment. Through a video titled ’G-DRAGON - GUERRILLA DESK : G_Division’, G-Dragon greeted his fans for the new year and shed light on his upcoming plans.

He expressed that although he couldn’t do much in 2022, he wanted to update everyone about what he has been up to and what awaits in the near future. G-Dragon mentioned the full group comeback that BIGBANG made with ‘Still Life’ which was released as a single, however, they weren’t able to do any activities and hence could not meet many fans or perform for them. He briefed the fans on how in 2022, he was able to recharge by working out and staying healthy.

In 2023, G-Dragon is planning on meeting the fans through various activities, including a new album. He plans on once again greeting everyone with good news (about his music) soon. G-Dragon’s last solo release was in 2017 as the EP ‘Kwon Ji Yong’, his self-titled album. As of now, he remains the only BIGBANG member to still be a part of YG Entertainment following T.O.P, Taeyang and Daesung’s departures in 2022. His upcoming projects hint towards a renewal of his exclusive contract soon.

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ALSO READ: iKON, Kang Dong Won leave YG Entertainment after BIGBANG members; BLACKPINK to follow?