I-DLE’s Shuhua recently revealed she hired a lawyer to leave the group before renewing her contract. She shared why she changed her mind and decided to stay with her members.
Shuhua, the youngest member of I-DLE, shocked fans by admitting she was ready to leave the group. She spoke openly about this during an episode of JTBC’s Knowing Bros on May 24. The group appeared on the show to promote their new song Good Thing.
The hosts brought up the topic of contract renewals. Super Junior’s Heechul made a joke, saying, “Surprisingly, even the usually quiet Shuhua hired a lawyer.” Comedian Lee Soo Geun added, “She must have been preparing to leave.” Shuhua calmly replied, “Yes. It’s true.”
She explained that she seriously considered leaving both Cube Entertainment and I-DLE. The decision weighed heavily on her because it meant parting ways with the group she debuted with. However, after deep talks with each member, she chose to stay.
“When I thought of the members, I felt that staying with the team would be the better choice,” Shuhua said. She had one-on-one conversations with Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, and Yuqi before making her final decision.
Leader Soyeon played a big role in convincing Shuhua to stay. Soyeon didn’t just offer emotional support—she actively helped with contract negotiations. “I even took the lead in negotiating the finer details. I made a lot of edits to the contract, even down to the word choices,” Soyeon revealed.
The group’s contracts were set to expire in 2024, leading to rumors about possible disbandment. Fans were worried until Soyeon confirmed the renewal during I-DLE’s speech at the 2024 Melon Music Awards. All five members signed new contracts with Cube Entertainment.
After renewing, the group dropped the parentheses from their name, changing from (G)I-DLE to simply I-DLE. This symbolized a fresh start for the group. The members have been open about how difficult the renewal process was but emphasized their unity.
Yuqi admitted she received many offers from other companies during negotiations. “I was never truly shaken, but the lengthy negotiation period made me waver due to financial offers from other companies,” she said. Still, she insisted that all five members should stay together.
Minnie shared that she visited a fortune teller for reassurance. “The fortune teller told me not to worry and that the members would stay together,” she said. This helped ease her anxiety during the uncertain period.
Miyeon avoided going to the company alone during negotiations. “I was afraid to go because I didn’t know what kind of questions I’d face,” she explained. She wanted to be careful not to say anything that could affect the group’s future.
Soyeon’s leadership was crucial in keeping the group intact. She ensured all members had fair contract terms. The new agreements also changed payment structures, allowing members to earn individually from solo activities.
The group’s latest comeback, Good Thing, is their first release since renewing contracts. Fans see it as a celebration of their unity. The members have been more open than ever about their struggles and bond.
Shuhua’s honesty about nearly leaving has touched many fans. Her decision to stay shows how much the group means to her. The members’ strong friendship and trust helped them overcome this challenging time.
I-DLE continues to grow as a team, proving that their bond is stronger than any contract dispute. Their story is a reminder of how important communication and trust are in a group.
Also Read: (G)I-DLE’s Shuhua Spotted With Foreign Actor in New Zealand During Health Hiatus!
Credits: Money Today, Knowing Bros, TenAsia
