THE BOYZ, the popular South Korean K-pop group, will no longer operate under their original name after trademark negotiations with IST Entertainment collapsed. The group is set to rebrand under their new agency, ONE HUNDRED, following the expiration of their contracts on December 5, 2024.
Failed Trademark Negotiations
ONE HUNDRED, the group’s new management, released a statement on December 4, 2024, revealing that discussions with IST Entertainment over the rights to the name “THE BOYZ” had failed. The company deemed IST Entertainment’s terms for the trademark unreasonable. Despite prolonged negotiations aimed at reaching a fair agreement, the parties were unable to resolve the matter.
ONE HUNDRED expressed regret over the outcome but reassured fans that they had been preparing for this possibility. The agency noted:
“We made every effort to achieve a positive resolution, but the terms offered were not acceptable. We remain committed to supporting the group as they transition to a new phase in their career.”
Plans for Rebranding
Anticipating the breakdown of talks, ONE HUNDRED preemptively worked on alternative names for the group. Some options reportedly include The Boys, The New Boyz, and TNBZ. While the final choice has yet to be announced, fans are eager to see how the group will evolve under their new branding.
ONE HUNDRED also assured that they are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for all 11 members. The company emphasized its plans to maintain the group’s momentum and reputation despite the name change.
Transition to ONE HUNDRED
The BOYZ’s move to ONE HUNDRED marks a significant shift in their career. The agency was co-founded by MC Mong and Cha Ga Won, chairwoman of p_Arc Group, and is affiliated with Big Planet Made—home to renowned artists like Lee Seung Gi and SHINee’s Taemin.
Additionally, ONE HUNDRED has ties to INB100, which represents EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. With this strong support system, fans remain optimistic about the group’s future, even under a new identity.
Upcoming Milestones
As the group’s contracts with IST Entertainment officially end on December 5, 2024, all 11 members will fully transition to their new agency. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on their rebranding and upcoming activities.