written by Daniela Cortes
Hello, I’m Daniela though my friends call me Dani. I’m a graduate student from Indiana majoring in Public Relations and I'm a dedicated K-pop enthusiast! My journey with K-pop began back in 2018, with stray kids as my alt bias group. As a passionate blogger, who also runs their own YouTube channel, I love sharing the latest news in the K-pop world.
Today, I’m excited to dive into the latest headline surrounding K-pop sensation The Boyz on their recent career breaking decision. As their contract with IST Entertainment approaches its expiration in mid-December, the group has made the significant decision to part ways with the label instead of renewing. This bold move has sparked buzz, leaving fans curious about their future. Will they find a new agency? And perhaps most importantly, will they even be able to continue using their name The Boyz, considering IST owns the trademark? The next few months will undoubtedly reveal a lot about their future.
A Storied Career Under IST Entertainment
To give a little background, The Boyz debuted under Cre.ker Entertainment, which later merged to become IST Entertainment. Since their debut, they have achieved remarkable success within the K-pop scene, amassing a global fanbase (also known as The B) and earning accolades for their performances and unique style. The label played a significant role in shaping their early career, from their powerful debut in 2017 with “Boy” to their more recent hits like “Thrill Ride” and “Whisper.”
But now, with their contract expiring, it seems the group is ready to explore new opportunities. This decision reflects a broader trend in K-pop, where many idols seek more control over their careers or more favorable terms as they grow as artists. Still it’s a decision that has fans and even casual observers, like me, wondering what’s next for the group.
Trademark Trouble: Will They Keep the Name?
One major concern I’ve noticed floating around within the fans' spaces is whether The Boyz will be able to keep their group name after leaving IST Entertainment. For anyone who’s familiar with how these things work, K-pop agencies often own the trademark to an idols group's name.
So, while the boys are leaving the company, it remains uncertain if the group will need to give up the name they’ve built their careers on by rebranding or if negotiations will allow them to keep it.
This isn’t the first time a K-pop group has faced such an issue. It’s actually more common than you’d think! Some groups have had to give up their original names after leaving their agencies. Others have managed to strike deals to continue using them. If The Boyz can’t keep their name, it would be a pretty big shift for both the group and their fans, but rebranding is not always a bad thing, it could give them a fresh start if anything.
What do you think? Would you be okay with a name change or do you think The Boyz have to keep their name? I’m curious to hear your take on this!
What’s Next for The Boyz?
With their decision to leave IST Entertainment and seek a new agency, I’ve been seeing a lot of speculation about where The Boyz might end up. Fans are already discussing which labels could be a good fit for them. Will they join an entertainment giant like HYBE or SM Entertainment, known for their global reach? Or will they opt for a smaller, more specialized agency where they can have more creative freedom? Honestly, it’s a toss-up and i’m just as curious as you are to see where they end up.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future label, one thing is clear: The Boyz are not slowing down anytime soon. They’ve already confirmed a comeback for the end of October, marking their first album release in seven months. Fans are eagerly awaiting what the group will deliver this time, especially given the emotional weight of this transitional period. The upcoming album could serve as a fitting farewell to IST Entertainment or a bold statement of what’s to come. Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing what they deliver!
The K-pop Industry’s Response and Fans’ Reactions
If you’ve been keeping up with fan reactions, you’ll know The B (their fandom) have expressed some mixed feelings about the news. While many are excited about the group’s potential new direction, others worry about the risks of changing agencies which isn’t a small thing. It could mean losing their group name or running into challenges with future promotions. And, let’s be real, the K-pop industry we’ve seen both sides of the coin, some groups really thrive & flourish after changing agencies, while others struggle to find their footing.
This transition could also set a precedent for other groups facing similar situations, as the decision to leave an established agency often speaks to broader issues within the K-pop industry, such as artist management, contract terms, and creative autonomy.
A New Chapter for The Boyz
As The Boyz prepare for their October comeback and the impending end of their contract with IST Entertainment, their future is filled with excitement and uncertainty. Whether they get to keep their iconic name or start fresh under a new brand, I’m pretty sure their talent and dedicated fanbase will undoubtedly carry them forward. For now, all we can do is look forward and enjoy the group’s new music and eagerly await the next announcement about where The Boyz will call home next.
There it is! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out my socials on YouTube and TikTok for even more content. Plus, I’ve got more blog posts coming soon, and I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s next!
