INFINITE to Perform First Stage as Six Members on Oct 2
Woollim Entertainment has confirmed reports that INFINITE will be appearing at the 2017 Hong Kong Youth Concert on October 2. It will be the group's first stage performance since becoming a six-member group with the departure of Hoya in June.
All of the INFINITE members' contracts expired in June, says Billboard. Sungkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungjong, Sungyeol and L decided to renew their contracts with Woollim and continue as INFINITE. Hoya (Lee Howon) chose not to renew his contract, which expired on June 9, 2017.
Hoya, a talented rapper, dancer, and vocalist, decided to leave Woollim and INFINITE to follow his dreams. He explained his reasons in a heartfelt, handwritten letter to the group's fans, and also expressed his gratitude.
Recently, Korean media sources reported that Hoya has found a new home in Glorious Entertainment, the agency that manages actors Ji Chang Wook ("Suspicious Partner"), Lee Chung Mi ("Sweet Enemy") and Hyun Woo (upcoming SBS drama "Bravo My Life"). The company has pledged to support Hoya in his acting and singing pursuits. Hoya has previously acted in the dramas "Radiant Office" and "Reply 1997," notes SBS PopAsia.
Hoya will be making his debut as a stage musical performer in December. He is slated to perform in the musical "Sandglass" (a.k.a. "Hourglass) based on a 1995 drama of the same name. Hoya will take the role of Baek Jae Hee, a swordsman. Another male idol, Highlight's Dongwoon, will be performing in "Sandglass" as well.
Soompi reports that on August 30, Woollim Entertainment said that the six-member INFINITE wanted to have a comeback before the end of the year. Before that comeback, the members of INFINITE would be focusing their attention on their individual activities.
But INFINITE has also spent the past few months working on the group's new choreography, which had to be adjusted for six performers instead of seven. Fans will get to see the results of their hard work when they perform in the October 2 concert.
