In a significant development for the K-pop industry, the boy group ONF has officially announced the conclusion of their long-standing partnership with their management agency, WM Entertainment.
This decision marks the end of a prolific era that spanned eight years, a duration that saw the group rise from promising rookies to respected artists known for their experimental discography and high-concept performances.
On January 27, 2026, WM Entertainment released a formal statement confirming that the exclusive contracts for the members would officially expire, signaling a pivotal shift in the group’s professional trajectory as they transition into a new phase of their careers.
Details of the Contract Termination
According to the official announcement, the exclusive contracts between ONF and WM Entertainment reached their formal conclusion on January 29, 2026.
This decision comes after what the agency described as “extensive and heartfelt discussions” between the management team and the group members.
Such phrasing suggests that the parting was reached through a process of mutual respect and careful deliberation regarding the future of each member and the group’s collective vision.
Despite the termination of their formal contracts, the outcome is notably positive for fans, known as FUSE. WM Entertainment confirmed that although the legal ties are dissolving, all six members of ONF—Hyojin, E-Tion, J-Us, Wyatt, MK, and U—intend to continue their group activities together.
Crucially, the agency specified that the group will continue to promote under the name “ONF.”
This is a significant detail, as the rights to group names are often a point of legal contention when artists leave their original labels; however, in this case, the transition appears seamless and supportive.
Ongoing Support and Future Outlook
The tone of the agency’s statement was one of deep gratitude and continued cooperation. WM Entertainment expressed sincere appreciation for the fans who have sent “great love and support” to ONF throughout their journey and thanked the members for their dedication since their debut in 2017.
In a move that highlights a respectful and amicable parting, the agency declared that they would “not spare our cooperation and support” for the group’s future promotions, even after the contracts have officially expired.
This level of post-contract support is a testament to the strong bond forged between the artists and the staff over nearly a decade.
The agency concluded their statement by asking for continued interest and love from the public as the members embark on what they called a “brilliant journey” and “new narratives.”
They emphasized their intent to watch the members’ future growth and “ascent” with supportive hearts.
This transition allows ONF to explore new creative avenues while maintaining the strong foundation they built under WM Entertainment.
As the industry watches this transition, the focus remains on how the six members will navigate their next steps while preserving the cohesive group dynamic that has defined them.
ONF (Credit: YouTube)
For FUSE, the announcement brings a mixture of nostalgia for the past eight years and excitement for the independent future of the group.
Fans of the action-packed high school drama “Study Group” have reason to celebrate as it was officially confirmed on January 27, 2026, that Hwang Minhyun will be returning for a second season.
The TVING original series, which gained significant traction both domestically and internationally during its first installment, has locked in its charismatic lead to continue the story of Youn Ga Min.
This announcement is particularly meaningful as it marks Hwang Minhyun’s official comeback project following his discharge from mandatory military service in December 2025.
His return to the screen in a familiar and beloved role is expected to generate high viewership and further solidify the drama’s status as a top-tier action-comedy.
Reprising the Role of Youn Ga Min
In “Study Group,” Hwang Minhyun portrays Youn Ga Min, a student at Yuseong Technical High School—an institution widely regarded as one of the worst and most dangerous schools in the world.
Despite his fierce fighting skills, Ga Min’s ultimate goal is ironically academic: he desperately wants to be good at studying and excel in his college entrance exams.
To achieve this, he forms a “study group,” though he frequently finds himself having to use his fists to protect his friends and their right to learn.
The production team expressed immense confidence in Hwang Minhyun’s return, noting that he already possesses a “perfect understanding” of the character.
For the upcoming season, the creators have promised to delve deeper into Ga Min’s psyche.
Viewers can expect to explore previously unanswered questions, such as the specific motivations behind his obsession with academic success and the internal dilemmas he faces while balancing his violent environment with his scholarly aspirations.
Additionally, the team hinted that the action sequences in Season 2 will be even more “spectacular” than before, pushing the boundaries of the high school action genre.
Expanding the “Study Group” Universe
The second season, based on the popular YLAB webtoon of the same name, will see an expansion of the stakes.
According to YLAB, Season 2 will focus on Youn Ga Min and his fellow study group members as their bond grows even stronger through shared adversity.
The narrative will shift from local school conflicts to a larger-scale battle against a “massive force of evil” that threatens not only their specific technical high school but students across the entire nation.
This shift suggests a broader scope for the series, moving beyond the confines of a single campus into a more complex socio-political landscape within the drama’s world.
Global Success and Anticipation
The confirmation of a second season comes on the heels of the first season’s impressive performance on global streaming platforms.
On Viki, the series ranked in the Top 5 in over 140 regions, proving that its unique blend of underdog academic struggles and high-octane martial arts resonates with an international audience.
With Hwang Minhyun’s return serving as his post-military comeback, the anticipation is at an all-time high.
Fans are eager to see how the character of Youn Ga Min has evolved and how the production will deliver on the promise of “cathartic action” and deeper emotional storytelling.
As the project enters production, “Study Group” Season 2 is already positioning itself as one of the most highly anticipated K-dramas of the year.
