When you consider the nature of K-Pop’s contracts, it is not surprising that some idols have been signed by more than one company during their careers. Usually, these changes occur after their original contracts after debut expire, and they move on to another agency.
Sometimes, even before debut, idols go to different agencies when one does not align with their plans. Many a debuted idol have talked about their time under SM Entertainment, for example.
Popular Celebrities Who Were SM Entertainment Trainees But Debuted Elsewhere
Recently, an active idol’s long list of entertainment companies has sparked interest online.
Last year, it was announced that Fromis_9 would end their exclusive contracts with Pledis Entertainment, and several members were announced to have signed under a new agency. These members included Lee Chaeyoung.
Chaeyoung’s signing to ASND marks what is believed to be her 7th agency in her time as an idol and a trainee. Before her debut, Chaeyoung was under TS Entertainment and JYP Entertainment in 2011 and from 2012-2015, respectively.
In 2017, Chaeyoung joined Idol School, and was affiliated CJ E&M Music, which later fused with Stone Music Entertainment.
These were the labels that Fromis_9 promoted under as well, until their management was switched to Off The Record Entertainment. In 2021, Fromis_9’s management was again switched, this time to Pledis Entertainment, which was involved in their development earlier.
Chaeyoung is only 24, and has been training at least since 2011, meaning she was around 10 when she first began. Netizens reflected on this and the number of companies online, many thankful her career has become what it is.
chaeyoungs company line up will always make me cry like fuck pic.twitter.com/aHEFRBXDJV
— suri (@3yeonni) February 20, 2025
she’s the modern day katniss everdeen bc how do you survive all of this and come out stronger each time https://t.co/m9oJiXNSVD
— mars ???? (@syeonieverse) February 20, 2025
she be fighting for her life https://t.co/h0HGj3rFGm
— ???? (@cweechuu) February 21, 2025
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