The group Fantasy Boys is generating buzz before their official debut, notably due to the announcement that they'll debut without their top-ranked member, Yoo Junwon.
On August 23, PocketDoll Studio announced that Yoo Junwon, who secured the top position on MBC's survival audition show 'Boy Fantasy', will not be joining the group due to unauthorized absences.
According to PocketDoll Studio, during the contract process, Yoo Junwon demanded a higher profit-sharing ratio and asked for contract modifications. Ultimately, agreements couldn't be reached. Additionally, Yoo Junwon's parents have twice permitted his unauthorized absence, and they finally informed the studio that he would not be joining the team.
Yoo Junwon, having ranked first in 'Boy Fantasy', had already amassed a considerable fanbase even before debut. Historically, top-ranking members in such shows become the 'center' and main attractions of their groups. Hence, the news of Yoo Junwon's non-inclusion is surely a disappointment to many awaiting the group's debut.
Furthermore, fans expressed disappointment towards Yoo Junwon, especially after learning he requested contract alterations solely based on his top position.
In response, Yoo Junwon shared on his SNS, "The claims made by PocketDoll are not entirely accurate and disregard the essence of the issue. I have reached out to PocketDoll several times for consultations, emails, and calls. I requested modifications due to unreasonable clauses in the contract, but they instead added more absurd terms and pressured me to agree. I even received an outrageous notification saying that if I didn't consent, I could leave."
Emphasizing his stance, Yoo Junwon added that he had lost trust in PocketDoll's approach and, as a result, decided to forgo the debut.
PocketDoll Studio immediately countered, "The claim that we forced any agreement is not true. We tried to proceed with the contract while respecting the opinions of both Yoo Junwon and his parents. However, they requested a profit distribution of 6 (for Yoo Junwon) to 4 (for management) on all aspects including albums, music streams, concerts, which was different from other members. They were the ones who first notified us they wouldn't proceed with the contract if their conditions weren't met."
After a rigorous competition, Fantasy Boys were set to debut as a 12-member group. However, due to disagreements, they will now debut with 11 members: Kim Kyurae, Hong Sungmin, Oh Hyuntae, Lee Hanbin, Ringchi, Kang Minseo, Hikari, Soul, Kim Wooseok, Hikaru, and Kaidan.
The anticipation for Fantasy Boys' debut is now tinged with disappointment due to the exclusion of top member Yoo Junwon. As both parties continue to dispute contract terms, all eyes are on Fantasy Boys to see their next steps in an industry where they've already made headlines even before debut.
