I.M of MONSTA X decides not to renew contracts, will still be a part of the group

MONSTA X’s rapper and maknae, I.M, aka Changkyun, has parted ways with Starship Entertainment. On August 8, 2022, the company updated fans on the contract renewal for the six-member group.

The group’s fandom, MONBEBE, were surprised at first, but heaved a sigh of relief when the notice informed them that I.M will continue to be a part of the group. The statement released by the agency highlighted that:

The remaining six members, Shownu (currently in the military), Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney have renewed their contracts. They will continue partaking in future group activities alongside I.M.

Starship Entertainment shared that I.M's contract expired after long discussions:

However, on a brighter note, the agency also informed that they are planning several activities for the group to meet their fans soon.

Fans pour in love for MONSTA X maknae I.M on leaving Starship Entertainment

MONSTA X's youngest member, I.M, left Starship Entertainment as his contract expired. After lengthy discussions, the rapper decided not to renew it and move on to a new path. The news also arrived with an update of the remaining five members who have decided to continue their contract with the agency.

The 26-year-old rapper has not addressed the departure personally yet. Fans of the group, called MONBEBEs, experienced mixed emotions after the announcement. They were sad that I.M left the agency, but, at the same time, they were also happy that the idol was going to start his solo journey while still being a part of the group.

Fans showered the idol with love and best wishes for his future endeavors. They empathized with him, saying that it must have been difficult for the idol to leave his hyungs and start a solo journey. They also thanked him for his decision to remain as a MONSTA X member.

More about MONSTA X: Beginnings and recent updates

MONSTA X, originally a seven-member group, debuted in 2015 after a grueling survival program called No.Mercy. Its former member, Wonho, left the group in October 2019 after he became embroiled in a drug scandal.

Wonho posted an apology on his personal Instagram, sharing that he was parting ways with the group to not cause harm to the members. He was cleared of all charges in May 2020. He now enjoys the reputation of being a successful soloist.

As for the group, it continues with its steady rise to popularity. MONSTA X will be performing at Nickelodeon's first music festival called NickFest. The festival will be held on October 22 and 23. The lineup includes popular names such as The Kid LAROI, 24KGoldn, Alec Benjamin, and more.

Since I.M will continue to be a part of the group, fans can look forward to seeing the six members take the stage by storm at NickFest in October.

About the author

Afreen has been a K-Pop Content Specialist at Sportskeeda since 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, along with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Afreen has over 4+ years of working in various positions including being an entertainment content writer with Pinkvilla’s K-pop division Hallyutalk and CineDope, and as a copywriter at Flying Cursor.

As per Afreen, she loves her work because she gets to write about the things she is obsessed with. Her thorough research and following the two-genuine-source rule of journalism helps her produce the most accurate content, along with helping her be up-to-date with the industry.

Afreen has had the privilege to interview The Rose's frontrunner, WOOSUNG, and LIONESSES, K-pop's first openly LGBTQ+ group. She is a big fan of SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, BTS, and The Rose for their hard work, sincerity, and the comic relief their shows provide.

When she is off her shift, Afreen explores the streets of Nottingham in the UK, cooks, and listens to new music.

Know More