Shuhua of I-DLE Contemplated Departure and Retained Legal Counsel After Contract Expiration
On May 24th, i-dle made a much-anticipated return to the spotlight on JTBC’s beloved variety show, Knowing Bros, promoting their latest single, "Good Thing," which marks their first release in a year. The group used the opportunity to open up about their recent unanimous decision to renew their contracts, igniting excitement and curiosity among fans.
During the episode, veteran idol Kim Heechul remarked on the group’s performances and social media presence, jokingly confessing, “I want to leave the company.” This lighthearted banter set the stage for a deeper discussion about the members’ experiences and motivations.
One standout moment came from Soyeon, who showcased her songwriting skills with a self-written rap during a concert. In her rap, she candidly alluded to their contract expiration in November and posed the provocative question of who might decide to leave. She further clarified that her contract ended earlier than those of her bandmates, prompting the rest of the group to synchronize their contract terms with hers.
Miyeon shared her unique approach during this period, revealing she often distanced herself from the company out of apprehension. “I was afraid to go to the company alone because I didn’t know what kind of questions I’d face,” she explained. Her careful attitude certainly resonated with many, highlighting the group’s commitment to maintaining a united front.
As discussions turned to potential offers from rival companies, Yuqi admitted that the swirling rumors had led to numerous offers landing in her lap. While she maintained her resolve, she confessed there were moments of uncertainty, especially when the financial stakes were high. “I had moments of doubt mainly because the offers involved large sums of money,” she shared.
TRENDINGInterestingly, Soyeon revealed that Yuqi was the strongest advocate for the group to renew their contracts collectively. "The renewal process took longer than expected, and there were times I worried it might not happen," Yuqi elaborated.
Meanwhile, Minnie sought solace from a fortune teller she had consulted long ago, who eased her worries by reassuring her that the group would remain together. This comforting insight helped her navigate her anxious feelings during a decisive time.
To everyone’s surprise, Kim Heechul added a twist by revealing that the usually quiet Shuhua had even consulted a lawyer during this time. Comedian Lee Soo Geun chimed in, teasingly suggesting that Shuhua was preparing to leave the group.
Shuhua promptly addressed this, clarifying that despite the company reaching out multiple times, she believed staying with i-dle was in the team’s best interest. She disclosed that she held one-on-one talks with each member before settling on her decision to renew, emphasizing her commitment to the group’s unity.
With these revelations, the episode not only highlighted i-dle’s journey but also showcased the strength of their camaraderie, reassuring fans that their favorite group is here to stay.
For more behind-the-scenes insights and performances, check out the full episode on YouTube.