On December 17, 2025, the K-pop industry was met with the somber news that the boy group ATBO has officially disbanded.
Their agency, IST Entertainment, released a comprehensive statement confirming that the management contracts for the members have been terminated, bringing the group’s three-year journey to an abrupt conclusion.
The Official Announcement from IST Entertainment
The announcement came as a shock to many fans, as IST Entertainment confirmed that after deep and long-standing discussions with the members, they had mutually agreed to end group activities.
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The agency expressed its gratitude to the fans who have supported ATBO since their inception, stating that the decision was made with the future paths of each individual member in mind.
While the statement did not go into granular detail regarding the specific “why” behind the timing, it emphasized a natural conclusion to their current management structure.
The agency asked fans for their continued warm interest and encouragement for the members as they embark on new beginnings outside of the group format.
A Journey from Survival Show to Debut
ATBO (which stands for “At the Beginning of Originality”) first rose to prominence through the survival reality show THE ORIGIN – A, B, Or What?. They officially debuted in July 2022 with their first mini-album The Beginning : 開花.
The group was originally introduced as a seven-member lineup. However, their path was not without challenges.
In 2024, the group transitioned to a six-member lineup following the departure of member Seok Rakwon due to health-related reasons.
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Despite these changes, the remaining members—Oh Junseok, Ryu Junmin, Bae Hyunjun, Jeong Seunghwan, Kim Yeonkyu, and Won Bin—continued to promote and connect with their global fanbase, known as BOAT.
Emotional Farewells: Ryu Junmin’s Letter to Fans
Following the news, member Ryu Junmin took to his personal Instagram to share a heartfelt, handwritten letter with the fans.
In his message, he expressed profound gratitude for the memories created over the past few years. He acknowledged the sadness of the news but promised to carry the love received from BOATs into his future endeavors.
The letter served as a personal touchpoint for fans who were grieving the sudden news, reinforcing the strong bond the members shared with their community until the very end.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Though their time as ATBO has concluded, the members leave behind a discography that showcased their versatility and performance power.
From their debut title track “Monochrome (Color)” to their more recent participation in projects like Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE, the group proved their talent on multiple stages.
As the members prepare to pursue individual careers—whether in music, acting, or other areas of entertainment—the industry remains hopeful for their success.
For now, the K-pop community bids farewell to ATBO, a group that truly lived up to its name by bringing a sense of “originality” to the fourth generation of K-pop.
