Hyeri leaves Creative ING; was ex-beau Ryu Jun-yeol the reason
What's the story
Lee Hyeri, the 30-year-old actor known for her role in the K-drama Reply 1988, has officially ended her professional relationship with talent management firm Creative ING.
After a successful five-year partnership, she has chosen not to renew her contract, becoming an independent artist, according to reports.
This decision comes amid significant internal changes within Creative ING, including a recent acquisition by C-JeS Studio.
Acquisition challenge
C-JeS Studio manages Hyeri's ex-boyfriend Ryu Jun-yeol
C-JeS Studio acquired 100% of Creative Group ING's shares for 1.3B won on April 5.
This acquisition placed C-JeS company CEO, Baek Chang-ju, as the principal shareholder of both entities.
As a result, it is expected that the administration of both firms will merge and their artists will be under the same umbrella.
This could've posed a significant challenge for Hyeri, considering her ex-boyfriend Ryu Jun-yeol is managed by C-JeS Studio.
The duo parted ways in 2023.
Journey
Charting Hyeri's journey with Creative Group ING
Since April 2019, Hyeri has been associated with Creative Group ING, building a rapport based on mutual trust.
Throughout her tenure, she actively participated in both drama and variety show circuits, featuring in productions like Miss Lee (2019), My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021), When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon (2021), and May I Help You (2022).
Additionally, she depicted her talent in the variety show Hyeri's Home Economics (2023).
Future
What's next for the Hyeri?
Apart from her TV ventures, Hyeri has taken on prominent roles in movies like Monstrum (2018) and Pansori Boxer (2019).
She eagerly awaits the release of her upcoming films Victory and Tropical Night.
Further, she has been actively involved in numerous advertising campaigns, solidifying her status as an "advertising queen."
With her departure from Creative Group ING, fans are eager to see what path she'll pursue next.