We hate to break it to you Inspirits, but Hoya is leaving INFINITE and Woollim Entertainment for good.
On Wednesday (30th August), Woollim announced that the rapper has decided not to renew his contract and will depart INFINITE. The company stated, “INFINITE member Hoya’s exclusive contract with us ended on 9th June 2017 after being with us for the past 7 years.”
“During discussion of contract renewal in June, Hoya stated that he wished to walk a different path in order to realise his dream. The company as well as his members decided to respect his decision. Since it is a very big decision we gave it much time for thought and discussion. Until we decided that Hoya will be withdrawing from INFINITE and leaving Woollim as per his wish,” Woollim continued.
But don’t worry, Inspirits. The idol group will continue as a 6-member group as Kim Sunggyu, Jang Dongwoo, Nam Woohyun, Lee Sungyeol, L, and Lee Sungjong have renewed their contracts.
The company added, “INFINITE members will do their best for those of you who love them and support them constantly. We will return with better music and activities. We are sincerely sorry to have worried fans with a delayed announcement but we were forced to be very prudent in our decision making since this is a sensitive matter. Lastly, we ask for your unchanging support for the futures of the six members of INFINITE and Hoya.”
26-year-old Hoya aka Lee Ho Won debuted as a member of Woollim’s INFINITE 2010. Known for his sharp dance moves and portrayal of Kang Joon Hee in “Reply 1997”, the Busan-born idol was also part of a subgroup called INFINITE H along with fellow member Dongwoo.
We wish him all the best in his career and hope to see him and INFINITE back on stage again!
Sources: Koreaboo, Soompi, All Kpop / Featured image: Soompi.
