Jo Kwon, a prominent figure in the K-pop industry, has officially parted ways with Cube Entertainment after a seven-year tenure. This significant move marks another chapter in the singer’s dynamic career, which has seen him transition through various phases and agencies.
Jo Kwon initially rose to fame as a member of the ballad group 2AM, under JYP Entertainment. His journey with JYP began after he was selected through an audition program, and he spent 16 years with the company. During this period, Jo Kwon became a symbol of JYP, contributing significantly to the label’s identity and success. However, in 2017, he decided it was time for a change and signed with Cube Entertainment.
The transition from JYP to Cube was not without its challenges. Jo Kwon admitted feeling a certain pressure as he moved to a new agency. Despite this, he was determined to showcase music that felt natural and authentic to him. His new labelmates at Cube, including members of BTOB and PENTAGON, provided immense support, even visiting him on the set of his music video. HyunA, another prominent artist at Cube, also reached out to him via video call to offer her encouragement.
Reflecting on his time at JYP, Jo Kwon expressed deep gratitude. He described his 16 years there as a period where he felt he had done everything he could. As he entered his 30s, he felt the need for a fresh start, which led him to Cube Entertainment. The decision to join Cube was influenced by a meeting with the company’s president, Hong Seung Sung. Jo Kwon noted that 2AM’s management had always been unique, with the group having ties to various agencies, including Big Hit Entertainment. Ultimately, he felt that his personal growth and direction were more important than the specific agency he was with.
Despite the challenges of promoting as a group, Jo Kwon assured fans that 2AM would not disband. Each member has clauses in their contracts allowing them to promote as 2AM when possible. However, logistical issues, such as Im Seulong’s mandatory military service, have made group promotions difficult. Jo Kwon shared that they had prepared an album but found they only had a week to promote it, which felt too short. As a result, they decided to wait for a better opportunity.
The past year has been particularly eventful for Jo Kwon. He described being 29 as a difficult period, filled with new challenges and transitions, including starting a business with Yoon Kye Sang and transferring agencies. He expressed a desire for the year to pass quickly and saw turning 30 as a chance to be reborn.
Jo Kwon also addressed his public image, known for its bright and energetic nature. He emphasized that while he debuted as a ballad singer with 2AM, he has always felt capable of more. He doesn’t want to be confined to singing ballads throughout his career and is eager to explore other areas of music and entertainment.
As he reached his 10-year debut anniversary, Jo Kwon shared his goal of remaining relevant and not being forgotten. He acknowledged the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry and the potential for gossip and misunderstandings. However, he views these challenges as part of the job and remains thankful for the recognition he continues to receive.
Jo Kwon’s departure from Cube Entertainment marks the end of a significant chapter in his career. His journey from JYP to Cube and now beyond reflects his continuous evolution as an artist. Fans eagerly await his next steps, confident that Jo Kwon will continue to surprise and inspire with his talent and resilience.
