Following their departure from HYBE, fromis_9 members are seemingly facing difficulties securing the rights to their group name. Fans have been closely monitoring the situation, especially after recent messages from the members suggested that negotiations with their former agency have been complicated.
On November 29 last year, Pledis Entertainment announced that fromis_9’s exclusive contracts would officially expire on December 31.
fromis_9 To Leave Pledis Entertainment
Nearly a month later, on January 26, 2025, it was revealed that five members — Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Nakyoung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon — had signed with ASND, a new agency. Lee Saerom, Lee Seoyeon, and Roh Jisun decided not to join them.
Only Five Fromis_9 Members Sign With New Management—What Will Happen To The Group Name?
While the five members have moved forward with a new company, discussions regarding their ability to continue using the name “fromis_9” remain unresolved.
In recent messages sent to fans, Baek Jiheon expressed frustration, suggesting that while the members are determined to protect their name, they fear their sincerity is being taken advantage of.
It’s a heavy morning… But let’s try to overcome it. I just hope our determination to protect our name isn’t being taken advantage of. That thought really upsets me. I wanted to just stay quiet… but I was so upset that I couldn’t sleep well last night. Still, we have to push through! I wrote ‘Flovers’ and then deleted it… Haha… I have so much to say… Flovers… I’ll stop venting here! If I say any more, I think it’ll be too shocking. But don’t misunderstand!! We are truly doing this to protect our group. Money or anything like that was never even a consideration. Just know that. Flovers, I guess they just want to negotiate with us… like we’re just any other people. Haha… Flovers, anyway, we’ll try our best to resolve this. But still, I hope Flovers can also protect us. That’s all!
— Baek Jiheon
Meanwhile, Lee Chaeyoung voiced her desire to return as a member of fromis_9 and continue addressing fans as “Flovers.” She urged fans to support them regardless of what happens, acknowledging that the situation is beyond their control.
Flovers, I promise I’ll come back as a member of fromis_9. I really want to. I want to be able to call you Flovers. But even if we have to go by a different name, please still love us. It’s not something we can decide on our own… We’ll do our best! Together with the members. Please let us keep loving you… Please, I’m begging you. But if we can’t use the name, does that mean we can’t use the fandom name either? Oh, do others still use it? Hmm, at least we can still keep Flovers. That’s a relief. Anyway, don’t worry and just wait a little longer. Unnie will protect fromis_9. Noona will protect it~~
— Lee Chaeyoung
While the group’s new agency has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter, fans suspect that HYBE and Pledis Entertainment are making it difficult for them to retain their original name.
the audacity of HYBE to trademark a groups name they didn’t even form??
FROMIS NEWJEANS WE LOVE YOU#프로미스나인을지켜줘 #프로미스나인 #protect_fromis_9 pic.twitter.com/rtpINbfQza
— ۟ (@hyegums) March 15, 2025
We will stand with fromis_9 no matter what #PROTECT_FROMIS_9pic.twitter.com/oyDndOOnt6
— FROMISTREAM 🍀 (@fromistream) March 15, 2025
Looks like the remaining members of Fromis_9 are having a hard time securing their name from Pledis/Hybe. They’ve already ended their contracts but Hybe’s still doing Hybe thingshttps://t.co/ZgvNV9oIFn pic.twitter.com/VXpsYscL71
— Sheepymcsheep (@sheepymcsheepy) March 15, 2025
For now, the future of fromis_9 remains uncertain, but the members have made it clear that they will do everything they can to stay together.