fromis_9 Retains Name as It Transitions to ASND Label
On March 26, 2025, Maeil Kyungjae announced that the popular girl group fromis_9 has successfully retained its name following its transfer to the ASND label. This shift comes after the group’s departure from PLEDIS Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, marking a significant change in management for the five-member ensemble.
Coinciding with the announcement, ASND Label shared a promotional video featuring the new lineup of fromis_9 on their official social media channels. The group now comprises members Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Na-kyung, Lee Chae-young, and Baek Ji-heon.
According to industry insiders, the members have already filmed new profile photos, indicating they are gearing up for an upcoming album release. After their contracts with PLEDIS expired, fans have been eager to learn about the group’s future direction.
In January 2025, fromis_9 announced their partnership with ASND Label. At that time, the agency stated that the group’s name was still under consideration. However, after discussions with their former agency, ASND has confirmed that the group will keep the fromis_9 name, allowing them to maintain their established identity in the industry.
Fan Reactions and Celebration
The news of retaining their name has sparked excitement among fans, who took to social media to share their enthusiasm. Many fans expressed their desire for the group to trend on platform X (formerly Twitter) as a celebration of this achievement.
“Flover! To celebrate fromis_9 winning their trademark, let’s get the girls trending,”commented a fan on X.
Reactions poured in, with many supporters praising the group’s resilience. One fan declared them ‘unstoppable,’ while another emphasized their triumphant return to the music scene. Praise was also directed towards ASND Label for its commitment to the group.
“No matter what happened to them. No matter how many setbacks and obstacles they’ve had to overcome. No one can stop fromis_9 and flovers,”reacted another fan.
“Three months felt like three lifetimes, but the queens return to claim the throne. A silence that echoed too long, now broken by voices we’ve been waiting for. Back like they never left, ready to run the game again,”remarked another fan.
The sentiment of relief and joy resonated among fans, who expressed their appreciation for ASND’s effort to support fromis_9. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they shared heartfelt messages about the girls’ continued journey.
“I am so happy that our girls have a company that is actually trying for them. That’s all we’ve ever wanted. I know it’s just the beginning, but it makes me so happy,”added another fan.
Transition: The Path of fromis_9
Despite the excitement, there remains a sense of nostalgia among some fans who missed the original members of the group. However, many expressed happiness that the identity of fromis_9, particularly the number ‘9’, continues to resonate in the group’s brand.
“In my heart forever fromis_9 will remain about 9 girls with the same dream, even though this new path is a little different, but in my heart, nothing will change,”said another fan.
“unpopular opinion i love _9 in fromis_9 it looks and sounds so cute. i’m happy they kept it,”commented another fan.
“it’s honestly so cute that no matter how many members there are, they don’t want to erase the 9 bc every single one of them played a huge part in building fromis’ image into what it is today, and it holds their journey and history as a team,”wrote another fan.
A Look Back: fromis_9’s Journey with PLEDIS Entertainment
fromis_9 was formed in 2017 through the reality show “Idol School,”initiated by CJ E&M. Initially starting as a nine-member group, they briefly operated as an octet after member Jang Gyu-ri left in 2022.
Their debut came in January 2018 with the EP “To. Heart,”released under Stone Music Entertainment. Following a transition to Off the Record Entertainment later that year, PLEDIS Entertainment took over management from August 2021 until December 2024.
The group secured their name through a public vote via the Idol School website, with the name symbolizing both their roots as idols and a promise to their supporters to become a leading girl group.
On November 29, 2024, it was officially announced that fromis_9 would part ways with PLEDIS upon the expiration of their contracts. While all members decided against renewal, five of them officially joined ASND Label on January 26, 2025.
Meanwhile, three members — Lee Sae-rom, Lee Seo-yeon, and Roh Ji-sun — chose not to pursue a contract with the new label. In a heartfelt farewell, the remaining members released a special single titled “From”on December 23, 2025, as a final message to their fans.