Boy band Infinite to return under new agency

Boy band Infinite will be making a comeback for the first time in four years under a new agency established specifically for the boy band by leader Kim Sung-kyu. The boy band uploaded a teaser on its new YouTube and ...

Infinite [WOOLIM ENTERTAINMENT]

Boy band Infinite will be making a comeback for the first time in five years under a new agency established specifically for the band by leader Kim Sung-kyu.

The boy band uploaded a teaser on its new YouTube and social media accounts on Saturday, exactly 12 years after the members uploaded their first video before their debut in 2010, announcing that the group will return for its 13th anniversary under the new agency, Infinite Company.

Infinite Company will be an agency just for the group activities of the members, who have each signed with different companies after their contracts with Woollim Entertainment ended. Kim will act as the president, supported by the other five members — Jang Dong-woo, Lee Sung-jong, Lee Sung-yeol, L and Nam Woo-hyun.

Teaser announcing boy band Ininfite's 13th-anniversary in June [INFINITE COMPANY]

Infinite Company also received naming rights to the band’s name Infinite, from Woolim Entertainment. Media reported on Tuesday that the founder and president of Woolim Entertainment, Lee Jung-yeop had transferred the rights unconditionally, without any cost, to celebrate Kim Sung-kyu’s birthday in April.

Band members retaining the rights to their band name after leaving their original agency is an unusual case in the industry. Boy band Beast (also known as B2ST) had to rename itself to Highlight to continue its group activities after leaving its original agency, and Source Music trademarked girl group GFriend’s name when its members’ exclusive contracts came to an end.

Infinite debuted in 2010 as a seven-member band. Member Hoya, whose real name is Lee Ho-won, left the band in 2017 after his exclusive contract expired. Infinite is known for its hit tracks “Be Mine” (2011), “Man In Love” (2013), “Bad” (2015) and “The Eye” (2016).

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]