Pentagon's Hongseok leaves Cube Entertainment

“We decided to end Hongseok's exclusive contract with Cube Entertainment after thoroughly discussing the artist's future activities," the agency said Monday.

Hongseok of boy band Pentagon [CUBE ENTERTAINMENT]

Hongseok of boy band Pentagon ended his seven-year journey with his agency Cube Entertainment.

“We decided to end Hongseok's exclusive contract with Cube Entertainment after thoroughly discussing the artist's future activities," the agency said Monday.

Cube Entertainment recently announced the departure of five members of Pentagon — Yeo One, Yanan, Yuto, Kino and Wooseok — from the agency on Oct. 9. Now with Hongseok added to the list, only three original band members remain with the agency.

The remaining members are now Hui, Jinho and Shinwon. Hui and Jinho’s contracts were temporarily paused due to their mandatory military service.

“We thank Hongseok for exhibiting his passion and talent as a member of Pentagon since its debut in 2016,” the agency added. “We are looking forward to Hongseok’s take off and will be cheering on him.”

Pentagon debuted on Oct. 10, 2016, with 10 other members: Yeo One, Yanan, Yuto, Kino, Wooseok, Hui, Jinho, Hongseok, Shinwon and E’Dawn. E’Dawn, now known as Dawn, left the band and agency in September 2018.

The boy band dropped its digital single “With Universe” on Oct. 10 after the announcement of five members leaving the agency. Jinho, Hui, Hongseok, Shinwon, Yeo One, Yuto, Kino and Wooseok participated in the single. Yanan could not participate due to personal schedules.

Cube Entertainment did not address the rumors of the band pausing group activities or disbanding. To find out more about Hongseok, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]