The K-pop boy group EPEX is moving forward as a seven-member unit following the official departure of member Keum (also known as Keum Dong Hyun).
The news was delivered by EPEX’s agency, C9 Entertainment, on November 21, 2025. The statement confirmed that Keum’s exclusive contract with the agency and the group has been concluded, marking a significant restructuring for the group’s future activities.
This announcement comes after a period of uncertainty, as Keum had already been on an extended hiatus from group activities for several months.
Contract Termination Following Personal Hiatus
The formal termination of Keum’s contract and his departure from EPEX on November 21 follows a notable period of absence from the public eye.
Keum had been on a temporary hiatus since May [2025], with the agency initially citing “personal reasons” for his break from the group’s schedule.
While temporary hiatuses are not uncommon in the highly demanding K-pop industry—often allowing idols to address health issues or personal matters—an extended hiatus sometimes signals underlying issues that may lead to a permanent parting of ways, as is the case here.
EPEX Keum (Credit: Pinterest)
The move to formally conclude the exclusive contract suggests that, following his personal hiatus, a mutual decision was reached between Keum and C9 Entertainment that continuing under the established agreement was no longer viable for either party.
The phrasing that the contract has been “concluded” often points to an amicable, structured exit, rather than a sudden or contentious termination.
This structured approach allows the agency to manage the transition and provide clarity to the fanbase (known as Zenith) regarding the group’s future structure.
EPEX Continues as a Seven-Member Group
With Keum’s departure, EPEX will immediately transition into a seven-member formation.
Debuting in June 2021, the group quickly established a unique identity in the competitive fourth-generation K-pop scene, known for their powerful concepts and synchronized performances.
The loss of a member, especially one who had been part of the group’s foundational lineup, necessitates a creative and logistical reorganization.
C9 Entertainment has confirmed that the remaining seven members—Wish, Keum, Mu, A-Min, Baekseung, Jeff, and Ayden—will be continuing their scheduled activities.
This means that future releases, performances, and public appearances will feature the new seven-member configuration.
The agency’s prompt announcement following the conclusion of the contract is aimed at minimizing confusion and providing the remaining members and the fandom with a clear direction.
A reduction in the group size requires adjustments to choreography, vocal line distribution, and overall group presentation, which the members and agency will now undertake to ensure EPEX maintains its strong performance quality.
The decision for EPEX to continue signifies the agency’s commitment to the remaining members and the group’s brand.
While the official statement detailing the background to the “personal reasons” and the contract conclusion was not fully provided, C9 Entertainment’s assurance that EPEX will carry on confirms that the group’s trajectory will not be halted by the change in personnel.
Fans will now look to the remaining members’ activities for a sense of continuity and support during this transition period.
In a significant ruling, the police have determined that the force used by celebrity Nana and her mother against an armed intruder who broke into their home was an act of self-defense.
The decision, announced on November 22, 2025, by the Guri Police Station, clarifies the legal context of the physical altercation that occurred a week prior.
Details of the Aggravated Robbery
The incident took place on November 15 at approximately 6 a.m. KST. A man in his thirties, referred to as “A,” is accused of committing aggravated robbery and assault. The police plan to forward him to the prosecution on these charges.
- Method of Entry: “A” used a ladder to climb to the balcony and entered Nana’s house through an unlocked door.
- Initial Attack: Upon encountering Nana’s mother inside the house, the robber reportedly strangled her and inflicted injuries while demanding money.
- Intervention: Nana woke up after hearing her mother’s screams and attempted to stop the armed robber. A physical altercation ensued between the three individuals.
Subduing the Intruder: Nana and her mother ultimately managed to subdue “A” by grabbing his arm, allowing them to contact the police.
Police Ruling on Self-Defense
During the struggle, “A” suffered a laceration to his chin, which was caused by the weapon that he himself had brought to the home.
The key finding from the police investigation centered on whether the victims’ actions exceeded the necessary force for self-protection.
The Guri Police Station officially ruled that the injury inflicted on the robber was a direct result of self-defense, providing the following rationale:
“The victims suffered tangible harm, and our investigation found that they did not inflict serious injury while defending themselves… Looking at the situation overall, we determined that the victims’ actions constituted self-defense, so no charges were filed [against them].”
This ruling confirms that the victims’ response was proportional and justifiable given the circumstances of an armed break-in and physical assault.
Intended Target and Victim Injuries
The police investigation also determined that the robbery did not appear to be a targeted attack specifically because the home belonged to a celebrity.
Both Nana and her mother stated they had never met “A” before, and “A” claimed he was unaware a celebrity lived there when he broke in.
Regarding the victims’ condition, Nana’s agency, SUBLIME, had previously issued an official statement revealing the severity of their injuries:
“As a result of the robber’s physical assault, Nana’s mother lost consciousness due to serious injury, and Nana also sustained physical injury while trying to escape danger. At present, both are in need of medical treatment and complete rest.”
The legal resolution confirming self-defense closes the case regarding any potential charges against the victims, allowing Nana and her mother to focus on their recovery following the traumatic home invasion and physical assault.
