Singer Jo Kwon, 28, of 2AM unveiled his decision to leave JYP Entertainment and join Cube Entertainment, home to singer HyunA and boy band B2B.

According to music industry insiders on Friday, Jo and Cube Entertainment CEO Hong Seung-sung had kept their long ties intact in producing music together ever since Jo was preparing for 2AM’s debut at JYP. 

Hong had worked under JYP Entertainment CEO Park Jin-young as a music producer, but left in 2008 to launch Cube Entertainment. Following establishment, Hong tasted huge success with K-pop idol groups such as 4 Minute, B2B, CLC and Pentagon. 

Jo is rumored to have received lucrative contract offers from other entertainment company CEOs. The singer, however, said he remained loyal to his former producer Hong while explaining his reasons for picking Cube Entertainment. Jo Kwon also mentioned that he plans to branch out into entertainment TV programs.

Jo stayed with JYP Entertainment since 2001 and debuted as K-pop group 2AM in 2008. It is reported that 2AM’s contract with JYP had ended in 2015 with other members except him leaving to new companies. Jo had resigned a contract with JYP at the time but decided in September that it was finally time to change agencies.

By Catherine Chung (cec82@heraldcorp.com)