Five BAE173 Members Leave PocketDol Studio After Contract Expiration

BAE173 is entering a major new phase after five members ended their exclusive contracts with PocketDol Studio. The agency announced on July 14 that Yoojun, Muzin, Junseo, Youngseo, and Bit had officially parted ways with the company after their contracts expired on June 30, 2026.

The announcement marks one of the most significant lineup-related developments for the group in recent months. While contract expirations are a routine part of the idol industry, the departure of five members at once changes the practical picture around BAE173’s future activities and leaves fans watching closely for each member’s next step.

In its statement, PocketDol Studio said it had held extensive discussions with the members and chose to respect their desire to pursue new opportunities. The company said both sides agreed to go their separate ways following the end of the exclusive contracts, while also thanking fans for supporting Yoojun, Muzin, Junseo, Youngseo, and Bit during their time with BAE173.

A Contract Decision With Group-Wide Impact

The wording of the agency’s announcement emphasized the expiration of the contracts rather than a sudden termination. That distinction matters in K-pop, where departures can stem from a range of circumstances, including normal contract cycles, legal disputes, personal career choices, or changes in company strategy. In this case, PocketDol framed the move as a mutual separation after talks with the members.

For fans, however, the practical effect is still substantial. BAE173 debuted under PocketDol Studio in 2020 and built its identity around a multi-member performance lineup. With Yoojun, Muzin, Junseo, Youngseo, and Bit now outside the agency, the group no longer has the same structure that supported its previous releases, promotions, and fan-facing activities.

The latest announcement also follows earlier changes involving other members. Hangyul previously left PocketDol Studio after his exclusive contract expired in February. Doha’s situation shifted in April, when a court granted an injunction suspending his exclusive contract with the agency. Those developments had already raised questions about BAE173’s long-term organization before the July announcement added five more departures.

J-Min Remains Under PocketDol Studio

According to the current agency picture, J-Min, also known as Jeon Minwook, is now the only BAE173 member still signed with PocketDol Studio. He has already been away from BAE173 activities since February 2025 and is currently promoting as a member of CLOSE YOUR EYES, the project group formed through PROJECT 7.

That situation makes the group’s status unusually complex. The member still tied to the agency is not actively promoting with BAE173, while several members who formed the group’s public lineup have moved outside PocketDol’s management. Unless the company or the members announce a separate arrangement, future BAE173 branding, performances, or releases would require new coordination beyond the group’s previous structure.

For Yoojun, Muzin, Junseo, Youngseo, and Bit, the separation may open the door to individual music, acting, production, dance, or variety work depending on their interests and new management plans. K-pop contract endings do not automatically mean an idol is leaving entertainment altogether; many artists use the end of one agency agreement to reset their career direction or seek a company better matched to solo activities.

Fans Await Next Announcements

The immediate response from supporters is likely to focus on two questions: whether BAE173 can continue in any form, and where the departing members will go next. PocketDol Studio’s statement did not outline a future group plan, nor did it announce new agencies or projects for the five departing members.

That leaves the story in a transitional stage rather than a fully resolved one. The confirmed facts are clear: the five contracts expired on June 30, PocketDol announced the separations on July 14, and the company said it respected the members’ wishes to pursue new opportunities. What comes next will depend on future statements from the members, their representatives, or PocketDol Studio.

For now, BAE173’s latest chapter reflects a familiar but consequential moment in the K-pop business cycle. Contract renewals and departures often reshape not only an idol’s individual career but also the identity of a group built around shared promotions. With most of BAE173’s known lineup now outside PocketDol Studio, the focus turns to how each member chooses to move forward and whether the group name will have a defined future.