K-pop group THE BOYZ during a promotional event
K-Pop & Asia

THE BOYZ Social Media Moves Spark Panic Among K-Pop Fans

Online unfollows and ongoing legal battles over exclusive contracts have left supporters questioning the group's future.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 1 min read

K-pop fans are spiraling after recent digital activity and legal shakeups threw the future of THE BOYZ into complete confusion. Supporter communities are frantically trying to piece together what is happening behind closed doors after online unfollows sparked widespread concern among listeners across the globe. The tension has been quietly building for months following major contract disputes between the group and their management. Back in February, almost every single member took legal action to terminate their exclusive contracts. Reports reveal that out of the entire lineup, member New was the only individual who did not join the filing to sever ties with the agency.

What is happening with the boyz contract dispute

By April, the situation escalated when a court granted an injunction that officially suspended those exclusive agreements. The legal victory gave the participating members leverage and temporary freedom, but it also cast a cloud over how the group would handle future schedules, brand deals, and music releases together. A small sign of movement came at the start of August, when reports announced that nine members were slated to move forward with active group schedules. Yet the distinct division in legal strategy between New and his fellow bandmates continued to hang over the group's public image.

THE BOYZ’s New | SBS
THE BOYZ’s New | SBS

Why did the boyz members unfollow new

The underlying unease broke out into open alarm when eagle-eyed fans noticed sudden changes in the group's social media activity. Reports of online unfollowing involving the members instantly ignited speculation that the difference in legal choices has spilled over into personal relationships within the squad. In the world of K-pop, subtle social media shifts often act as the first sign of major group reconfigurations. Fans are now urgently demanding answers regarding New's current standing in the band and whether THE BOYZ can navigate their contract fallout without permanent roster changes.

The photos · 2

K-pop group THE BOYZ during a promotional event
THE BOYZ’s New | SBS

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

THE BOYZ: The Breakthroughs, Departures and Fight for Their Name

Survival-show wins build their profile. A collective agency move tests their unity. These are the documented turning points behind THE BOYZ’s rise—and the disputes that follow.

  1. 2017-12-06

    Twelve members make their entrance

    The Boyz — Twelve members make their entrance

    THE BOYZ debut under Cre.ker Entertainment with the mini-album The First and lead single Boy. The original lineup numbers 12, establishing the large-scale choreography that becomes central to their performances.

  2. 2019-10-23

    Hwall leaves the lineup

    The Boyz — Hwall leaves the lineup

    Cre.ker announces Hwall’s departure after health problems involving his ankle. THE BOYZ continue with 11 members, marking the first permanent change to their debut lineup.

  3. 2020-06-18

    Road to Kingdom delivers a breakthrough

    The Boyz — Road to Kingdom delivers a breakthrough

    THE BOYZ win the televised competition Road to Kingdom. Their victory against other boy groups secures a place on the follow-up competition Kingdom and puts their performance skills before a wider audience.

  4. 2021-06-03

    Kingdom brings another high-profile finish

    The Boyz — Kingdom brings another high-profile finish

    THE BOYZ finish second to Stray Kids in Kingdom: Legendary War. The result extends the exposure generated by Road to Kingdom, this time against a field that also includes established acts BTOB, iKON and SF9.

  5. 2024-11

    All 11 choose a new agency

    The Boyz — All 11 choose a new agency

    A collective move to ONE HUNDRED is announced as the members approach the end of their contracts with IST Entertainment. The decision keeps the lineup together rather than scattering the members across separate management companies.

  6. 2024-12Flashpoint

    Their name becomes a public dispute

    The Boyz — Their name becomes a public dispute

    ONE HUNDRED and IST publicly clash over terms for the rights to THE BOYZ’s name. On December 5, the agencies announce an agreement allowing the group to continue using it, settling a branding dispute at the point of their management change.

  7. 2025-06Flashpoint

    Ju Haknyeon’s removal triggers a contract fight

    The Boyz — Ju Haknyeon’s removal triggers a contract fight

    On June 18, ONE HUNDRED announces Ju Haknyeon’s removal from THE BOYZ and the termination of his exclusive contract. He disputes the agency’s action and denies allegations that he paid for sex, turning his departure into a contested contractual and reputational battle.

More like this

Get the pop news brief

One daily email. The biggest celebrity, music and TV stories, no filler.

Reader reaction

Loading comments…

People also ask

What happened with THE BOYZ contracts?
In February, all members except New filed for contract termination, leading to an injunction in April that suspended their exclusive contracts.
Is New still in THE BOYZ?
New was the only member who did not file for contract termination alongside his bandmates in February, sparking fan concern about his current status within the group.