[Trans] Tragedy of WG's 10th anniversary...What is the outcome? (Ilgan Sports)

WG at the crossroads of disbanding after 10 years...the fans "in tailspin"



WG celebrates their 10th anniversary on March 29 [?] this year. It is the first time that a girlgroup is this enduringly popular & beloved for a decade. But plans to mark the milestone for the longest-lasting [?] girlgroup remain uncertain & unknown. The fans are left with a heavy heart facing the tragedy of the 10th anniversary.



■ Vanishing WG



Murmurs about WG breaking up arose on Jan 12 when their poster vanished from the front of the JYP building in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. Although some members are rumored to have contacted other agencies, it was the first time JYP has taken action. WG, who debuted in 2007, was finally ousted from the front of the building after 10 years.



The agency is still taking a cautious stand. The contracts are expiring in the middle of this month. They said: "We'll make a decision soon and announce it. We cannot say anything yet." Group activities are usually outlined & released 2-3 months ahead of the expiration date, but WG's is still shrouded in secrecy close to the deadline.



In the industry, group renewals are expected to be difficult. Some of the members are firm about renewing; others are considering new moves, like acting. That does not mean the group itself will disappear. In 2AM's case, it remains possible for the members to work together alongside personal activities. Jo Kwon is the only 2AM member who stayed in JYP; Seulong, Jinwoon & Changmin are with different agencies.



■ Painful hope for fans



Apart from the group's survival, it's a pity that this tragedy is taking place as they welcome their 10th anniversary. Big Bang, who celebrated their 10th anniversary last year, launched a large-scale commemoration & built memories with their fans with music, records, broadcasts, donations, exhibitions & concerts. On the other hand, WG is tight-lipped & giving the fans only 'painful hope'. Supporters who have gone through twists & turns like previous members marrying & withdrawing are waiting for a speedy announcement.



A fan who have supported WG since their debut song 'Irony' commented: "From the hurried departure to America, through to Sunmi's hiatus, leader Sunye's marriage & Sohee's exit, the crises for the fans haven't stopped in a decade. The 2015 comeback with a girl-band concept, regaining public affection with 'Why So Lonely' last year, & now having to wait for renewal news, it feels like a 'mental breakdown'."



An industry insider said: "WG's renewals coincide with their 10th anniversary. It won't be quietly overlooked. A national girlgroup who has won the hearts & minds of the young & old will be surpassing 10 years. For the agency, it doesn't make sense to just bury it." He predicted another announcement related to the 10th anniversary soon.



Source: Ilgan Sports

Translator: qoxie

Link: http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=21127048&cloc=

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