South Korean singer-actor Lee Jun-ho of boyband 2PM has left JYP Entertainment after 17 years with the company.
Today (March 20) JYP Entertainment announced that Lee’s contract with the company would not be extended after it expires on April 15. “After extensive discussions over a long period, both the company and the artist have decided not to renew the contract,” the company said, as translated by Soompi.
“Since his debut in 2008 as a member of the group 2PM, Lee Jun-ho has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to both his singing and acting careers, achieving remarkable success in each field,” JYP Entertainment added.
“Based on a strong foundation of mutual trust, we have renewed our contract with him multiple times over the years, spending the brightest seasons of his career together. We sincerely thank Lee Jun-ho for walking alongside the company for the past 17 years, contributing to its growth and journey.”
The statement also included a quote from Lee, who expressed his gratitude towards both JYP Entertainment and his fans for their support. “I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support over the past 17 years,” he wrote. “I will cherish the bond we have built and the encouragement you have given me over this long time as I move forward.”
Despite his departure from the label, JYP Entertainment added that it would continue to “oversee Lee Jun-ho’s activities in Japan and will actively support any collaborative projects that may arise in the future”.
Lee first debuted as a member of K-pop boyband 2PM under JYP Entertainment in 2008, before going on to make his debut as an actor in 2013 with a role in the film Cold Eyes. He’s since starred in a number of hit K-dramas, inlcuding The Red Sleeve, King the Land and more.