11 Years Since Debut, Second Contract Renewal…The Gateway SEVENTEEN and TWICE Are Facing Side by Side [HT Focus]

[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] Two groups that debuted in 2015 are facing the timing of their second contract renewals side by side.

PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT announced on the 13th that all 13 members of SEVENTEEN had agreed to sign their second contract renewal. All members except those currently serving in the military have completed signing their contracts, and the members fulfilling their military duties will also sign their contracts sequentially in line with their service conditions. SEVENTEEN previously signed its first contract renewal early in 2021. Across both contract renewals, all 13 members stayed together without a single member leaving.

TWICE, which debuted in the same year, is also in discussions for its second contract renewal. TWICE signed its first contract renewal in July 2022. When reports emerged on the 24th of last month about member JEONGYEON potentially transferring agencies, JYP ENTERTAINMENT stated, “TWICE is currently in the period of discussing contract renewals, and the company and the members are continuing careful discussions while respecting one another’s intentions.” Yesterday (14th), reports related to TZUYU’s contract renewal also emerged, and JYP ENTERTAINMENT stated, “TWICE is in the period of discussing contract renewals, and we will provide an update once matters are finalized.” It appears that fans will have to wait a little longer until an official announcement is made.

A second contract renewal carries a different weight from the first. If the first contract renewal usually takes place around the seventh year after debut, the second is a gateway faced after passing the 10-year mark. During that time, each member’s individual career builds up, and their options broaden. The forms of contracts themselves have also become more diverse. BLACKPINK members have each established independent labels or transferred to other companies, while continuing only group activities with YG ENTERTAINMENT. In Red Velvet’s case, IRENE, JOY, and SEULGI renewed their contracts, while WENDY and YERI moved to different agencies but decided to continue Red Velvet activities under SM ENTERTAINMENT. Dividing the stage for group activities and individual activities has become one established option.

Amid this trend, SEVENTEEN has decided to continue its group, unit, and individual activities all with PLEDIS. In its announcement, PLEDIS stated, “Going forward, we will continue to systematically and fully support SEVENTEEN’s group, unit, and individual activities.” The tone of the announcement also stood out. While contract renewal announcements are usually closer to factual notices, this announcement included expressions such as “an artist who will remain in history,” “an example for junior artists,” and “a great honor.” SEVENTEEN also said, “With the belief that there is nothing we cannot accomplish together with the members, and through a shared understanding that we want to go further as a team, all 13 of us have come together in this decision,” adding, “We hope our fans will also join our promise to challenge eternity as part of ‘TEAM SVT.’”

SEVENTEEN has given its answer, while TWICE’s answer has yet to come. However, both teams have built enough love and trust with fans over the not-so-short period of 11 years. No matter what form their next chapter takes, the trust created by that time will not be easily shaken.

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