2AM members Seulong, Jinwoon to leave JYP

Two of Korea’s quartet idol group 2AM are leaving its management agency, JYP Entertainment, but the split won’t affect the group’s future activities, the agency said Thursday.

Seulong and Jinwoon have decided not to renew their contract with JYP while their teammate Jo Kwon chose to remain. The fourth member, Changmin, is currently mulling his course of action, as he has four months left until his contract expires, said the agency.

Seulong signed with Sidus HQ, another local talent management company, it was announced Thursday, while Jinwoon is reportedly finalizing a contract with MYSTIC Entertainment.

“Even though some members go to different agencies, they will likely work as 2AM just as the five-member Korean band g.o.d does,” a JYP official was quoted as saying.

“Park Jin-young, the chief of JYP, respects each member’s career path choice, even though 2AM is a group he holds dear,” the official explained.

Seulong and Jinwoon have been building their profile outside the music scene, starring in many local films, dramas and TV shows. Seulong has appeared on the small and big screen, including “Dream high,” and “26 Years.” Jinwoon has starred in “Dream High 2” and a reality TV show “We Got Married.”

2AM debuted in 2008 releasing such hit songs as “This Song” and “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die.” Its latest album, “Days Like Today,” came out late last year.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)