E Entertainment announced on August 31, 2026, that the exclusive contracts of the remaining six E’LAST members Rano, Baekgyeul, Romin, Won Hyuk, Wonjun, and Yejun have ended by mutual agreement. The agency’s statement thanked fans for their support over the years and said the company and members had discussed past activities and future paths before deciding to part ways. Several members followed with personal Instagram letters. Won Hyuk expressed regret that he could not protect the team and said he would continue refining his work as a musical actor and singer.
Baekgyeul noted that while his time as an E’LAST member is over, he hopes to stay connected with ELRINGs as Baek Sun Woo. Wonjun wrote that he plans to keep performing and meeting fans more often, even if not under the idol title.
Read English Translation:
” Hello, this is E Entertainment.
After taking sufficient time for in-depth conversations and repeated discussions regarding their past activities and future direction, the agency and E’LAST have mutually agreed to terminate the exclusive contracts of Rano, Baekgyeul, Romin, Won Hyuk, Wonjun, and Yejun, effective August 31, 2026.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the precious time and memories we have built together, and we sincerely thank everyone who has supported the artists throughout their journey.
We will cherish every moment we spent together and sincerely cheer for their new beginnings and future endeavors.
We would like to thank you once again for the love and support you have shown E’LAST, and we ask for your continued warm interest and encouragement for them moving forward.
Thank you.”
E’LAST debuted on June 9, 2020, as an eight-member group under E Entertainment with the mini album Day Dream and title track “Swear.” The name stands for “Everlasting.” They released Awake later that year, the single album Dark Dream in 2021, Roar in 2022, Identification in 2023, their first full-length album Everlasting in May 2024 with the track “Gasoline,” and the fifth mini album Versus in May 2025 featuring “Crazy Train.” A digital single, “Tame,” followed in March 2026. Seungyeop left after his contract ended in June 2025. Choi In’s contract concluded in April 2026. Leader Rano enlisted for military service in February 2026. The group built a steady international following, particularly through Japan promotions and fan events in late 2025.
Fans responded with a mix of sadness and frustration on social media. Many expressed disbelief and disappointment that the group’s potential had been limited by agency issues, while others focused on supporting the members individually going forward. Posts from ELRINGs across regions described the news as expected yet painful, with repeated messages of gratitude for the music and performances over the past six years and hopes that the artists find stronger opportunities ahead.