IST Entertainment, once home to several successful K-pop groups, is facing an alarming wave of artist departures. The mass exodus, which has been ongoing for years, reached its peak in late 2024 and early 2025, leaving fans furious over the company’s alleged mismanagement.
The issue dates back to April 2021, when Apink’s Naeun first left the agency, followed by Huh Gak in October 2021. Over time, other artists, including Bandage and members of VICTON, also parted ways with IST Entertainment. The trend continued with Apink members Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung exiting in April 2023. By the end of 2024, VICTON’s Seungwoo and the entirety of The Boyz had also left, and just two months later, Weeekly made their departure official in February 2025.
A fan on social media compiled a timeline of these major exits, sparking intense discussion among netizens. “IST is literally falling apart at this point. PlayM family deserved so much better,” one user lamented, referencing IST’s previous merger with Play M and Cre.ker Entertainment under Kakao Entertainment.
Fans Criticize IST’s Management
Beyond Music’s acquisition of IST from Kakao in January 2025 only added fuel to the fire. Instead of stabilizing the company, the acquisition coincided with more departures, including The Boyz and key members of VICTON. Many fans pointed fingers at IST’s failure to properly promote and support its artists, leading to their decisions to leave.
“Apink and Weeekly both had simultaneous hits, but this company wasted everything,” one fan expressed, highlighting what they saw as a pattern of neglect. Another user commented, “JUST CLOSE YOUR COMPANY ALREADY,” a sentiment echoed across various social media platforms.
As fans demand better treatment for their favorite idols, IST Entertainment is under heavy scrutiny. With nearly all of its top artists gone, the company’s future remains uncertain, and many are questioning if it can recover from this crisis or if more departures are yet to come.
