ONF has officially reached the end of its exclusive contract with WM Entertainment, but the boy group will continue promoting together under the same team name. According to WM’s January 27 announcement, the contract will end on January 29 after more than eight years of partnership, with the agency pledging ongoing cooperation and support for future group activities.
ONF–WM Contract Termination: What Has Been Confirmed
WM Entertainment announced on January 27, 2026 that ONF’s exclusive contract will end on January 29 after long discussions, while all six members plan to continue group activities under the name ONF, with the agency promising necessary cooperation and support even after the contract ends.
Based on currently available information, the key confirmed points are:
- The exclusive contract between ONF and WM Entertainment ends on January 29, 2026.
- The partnership lasted for more than eight years.
- All six members intend to continue promoting together as ONF.
- WM Entertainment has stated it will not spare cooperation and support needed for ONF’s activities even after the contract expiration.
No additional details about new management structures, future album schedules, or specific comeback plans have been revealed yet.
Background: ONF’s 8-Year Journey Under WM Entertainment
In general, within the K‑POP industry, an eight-year run between a boy group and its original agency is considered a full contract cycle, often aligning with the standard initial contract length. ONF’s path with WM fits this broader pattern: debuting under one label, building a discography and performance history, and then reassessing the relationship around the eight‑year mark.
Public records and previous coverage show that ONF debuted in 2017 under WM Entertainment and has since released multiple albums and title tracks, held concerts, and expanded its presence on major music platforms. However, today’s announcement focuses strictly on the contractual relationship and the assurance that the team name and group structure remain intact.
From an industry perspective, this kind of statement—emphasizing both the end of an exclusive contract and the continuation of group activities—is often read as a signal that the members are exploring a new phase while trying to minimize disruption for fans.
Why “Group Activities Will Continue” Matters for Fans
In K‑POP, news of contract termination often raises immediate questions about disbandment, member departures, or long hiatuses. In ONF’s case, the agency has clearly underlined continuity:
- The group name ONF will continue to be used for team promotions.
- All six members are described as continuing group activities together.
- WM Entertainment has publicly committed to providing cooperation and support even after January 29.
Based on general industry patterns, this wording suggests an effort to protect the brand value ONF has built over the years and to reassure fans that music releases, stages, and possible future tours can still be organized, even if the detailed system behind the scenes changes.
At the same time, it appears that specific plans—such as the timing of a next comeback, teaser images, or new concept directions—have not been disclosed yet. As of now, there is no official information about new agencies, distribution partners, or management companies that may support ONF going forward.
Agency Trends: ONF in the Context of K‑POP Contract Changes
Within the broader K‑POP landscape, groups reaching their seventh or eighth year frequently face turning points: some disband, some renew with their original agency, and others end their exclusive contracts while attempting to maintain group activities through new structures.
ONF’s current situation aligns with a growing trend where:
- The original agency publicly respects the group’s history and thanks the members.
- The team name and group identity are preserved.
- Future cooperation is promised, particularly for music releases, performance logistics, and use of existing catalogs on streaming platforms.
From a trend-analysis perspective, this approach can help stabilize fandom sentiment, reduce speculation about disbandment, and keep interest alive for potential future stages, fan events, and digital content—even if exact schedules remain unknown.
Key Takeaways
- ONF and WM Entertainment have agreed to end their exclusive contract as of January 29, 2026, after more than eight years together.
- WM Entertainment has officially stated that all six members will continue group activities under the name ONF.
- The agency has pledged to provide cooperation and support for ONF’s activities even after the contract ends.
- As of now, no concrete details have been revealed about future comeback dates, new management structures, or specific performance schedules.
- The announcement reflects a broader K‑POP industry pattern where groups end exclusive contracts but try to preserve their team identity and ongoing promotions.
FAQ
Q1. Is ONF disbanding after leaving WM Entertainment?
Based on the official statement, ONF is not disbanding. The six members plan to continue group activities under the name ONF, and WM Entertainment has promised cooperation and support even after the contract ends.
Q2. Has a new agency or management for ONF been announced?
As of the January 27 announcement, it appears that no specific new agency or management structure has been publicly revealed. Any future arrangements have not yet been detailed in official information.
Q3. Is there a confirmed comeback or new album schedule after the contract ends?
Currently, there is no officially announced comeback date or album schedule linked to this contract change. In general, K‑POP groups in similar situations often take time to reorganize behind the scenes before revealing new music plans.
Looking Ahead: ONF’s Next Chapter Beyond WM
Based on the information released so far, ONF is entering a transitional but potentially opportunity‑rich phase. The end of an eight‑year exclusive contract closes one chapter with WM Entertainment, yet the explicit promise that group activities will continue under the same name suggests that ONF’s story as a team is far from over.
In the coming months, industry observers and fans alike will be watching for concrete signals—such as new management announcements, teaser content, or performance news—that show how ONF will navigate this new era. For now, the key message is clear: the contract may be ending on January 29, but ONF’s activities as a group are officially set to continue.
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