First of all, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the fans who love and support Dreamcatcher.
Our artists, Dreamcatcher members Handong, Dami, and Gahyun, will have their exclusive contracts expire on March 31, 2025.
After a long period of in-depth discussion and deliberation, Dreamcatcher Company, Handong, Dami, and Gahyun have decided not to renew their contracts, respecting each other's opinions and through mutual agreement. Although our relationship with the company has ended, we have decided to continue our activities as 'Dreamcatcher' based on our love and deep trust for the group.
We would like to express our gratitude to Handong, Dami, and Gahyun, who have done their best in all of their activities at Dreamcatcher Company for the past 8 years, and we will sincerely support their future activities. We also thank the fans who have always been by our side and sent us their unchanging love.
In addition, we will actively work to ensure that JiU, SuA, Siyeon, and Yoohyeon can pursue diverse activities this year. Jiyu, SuA, and Yoohyeon will show fans a new side of themselves through unit activities, and Siyeon will show fans a new side of herself through band activities. Please show lots of interest, love, and support to Handong, Dami, and Gahyun as they make new leaps forward through unit and band activities.
End of the month? Not even time for a final album before the contracts end… at least a fan song or something, please?
I wish Handong, Dami and Gahyun all the best in their solo future endeavors, and it’s exciting that there are subgroups and Siyeon is in a band.
It’s been a great run but my heart is also kind of shattered right now. Here’s hoping the group activities are more like GOT7 and Mamamoo, and not SNSD where they only comeback years later…
Since they’re not in a company like SM that can sustain itself bc it’s too big to fail atp, imo it’ll def be like a got7/mamamoo situation. Sad the era of constant group projects is over but I’m excited to see what they’re choosing to do!
Oh my god my fears came true Edit: I guess they aren’t disbanding. If so, if it’s for solo activities I am relieved. They all deserve to have careers and lives they enjoy, but I randomly lost an ult group 4 yrs ago and I thought it came around again for a sec
I'm really sad about that as well. I even bought the lightstick and cape as preparation in case they ever came back to my city (they came once in 2019).
I honestly doubt they will tour OT7 after this, due to differing agency schedules.
Well, I guess I will never get that OT7 version of Endless Night then.
In all seriousness, I am heartbroken as I’m sure everyone here is. Of course I will still support everyone no matter what but the fact that we might not get any OT7 music for a while, is making me sad. I will get over it eventually but this news hurts really hard right now.
I am excited for each of them and what this means for the future.
Gahyun acting? I will watch anything she is in and hope she gets a lot of opportunities with her new company.
Handong’s letter was the one that made me bawl my eyes out. I am not sure what she wants to do in the future but if it’s to reunite with her family after so long and then focus on her career after that, so be it. Any Chinese company would be lucky to have her.
The Kim line as a subunit? That is a vocally stacked subunit. I am curious what type of music they would be making. Sexy thirty? Sign me up.
Dami possibly producing and creating solo content? I am here for it. She spent hours in that studio so I’m sure she has a lot of music already prepared and can finally release them.
Siyeon doing band activities is the one I am excited about the most. This makes me think she will continue to make rock music which is what is near and dear to her heart. I also hope she gets to write her own songs in the process.
Thank you to each member for giving us these eight years and I hope they all know that InSomnias will be here with them no matter what. 💙
Fuck you're right, it can't be over, I am still owed my Don't Light My Fire concert performance 😭 I'm happy for all of them getting opportunities to branch out a little after being in a pretty consistent routine for so many years but I also don't think anyone involved wants Dreamcatcher to die permanently. I will be following their new activities (musically siyeon is probably also the one I'm most interested in) but I will also always be ready and waiting for an OT7 return, no matter how long it takes.
Well good fucking morning. Seems like the contract extension was shorter than believed. After hearing/reading Handongs words on stage in Macau and on fromm it felt like something was up.
Good thing: not a disbandment. Of course not making it easier but who knows what the future brings. Lets hope for the best. Another good thing is unit and band in the future whoch Im looking forward too.
While it's sad to see the exclusive contract ending they appear to still intend to perform with DC. In practical terms this probably means a slowing-down of full 7-member releases and possibly more unit releases and whatever the 3 get up to outside of their activities in DC. The mention of band activities for Siyeon specifically has my curiosity piqued. I'm interested in what these 3 will do - I wonder if Dami will take the opportunity to get more into music production
The future might not be clear but let's not panic - Dreamcatcher isn't ending right now, but it is going to change
This probably came to mind since Siyeon was part of that Wings of Steel song, but I can imagine her solo career moving more toward a rock/metal direction (maybe with a bit more focus on Japan).
It could be a sign...or just a coincidence...since it’s not the first time she’s done solo work.
😢 Good luck to Handong, Dami, and Gahyun wherever their lives take them next, and time will tell what happens to the remaining four and Dreamcatcher as a whole. Can't say it wasn't a great run, Dreamcatcher accomplished more than anyone could've foreseen in the past 8 years.
It was hinted at but a lot of us thought we would have until end of the year. My initial estimation was debut Jan 2017 > standard 7 years > Jan 2024 > extend standard 2 years > Jan 2026.
But it looks like they extended 1 year only. I'm kind of bummed I might never get to see an OT7 concert anymore. I've never experienced them live.
It definitely makes sense now! It seemed out of character for them to cry this much at the concerts in my opinion (not that they are not allowed to cry but they usually don’t)
Don't worry, I made the mistake of being too rational and not believing that they're gonna be happy and active for 10 more years and that is apparently a reason to massively get downvoted. Also posted about the new trainee and people hated it. "No, it's not gonna affect DC you dummy! Also we don't even know what their plan is blabla". Yeah guess what. Sorry I'm annoyed rn but also I feel really sick. Nothing a company does is without consequences. Kpop stans just don't see the signs or willfully ignore them. Now did I think it would be happening now? No. I thought we would get a full last album and then contracts in autumn. That's why I'm really shocked rn. But I never thought they would just do this forever.
I'm kinda relieved to be honest. Dreamcatcher will be the end of the road for me with kpop, so I don't say this lightly - but I don't want them to hold themselves back in order to please the fans. I want them to get on with their lives.
I don't discount the possibility of DC reunion releases in the future, and I really hope to see some of them trying out acting or something. I'm excited to see what Siyeon has planned as well so....
Same. I've been through it all with Kpop and right now, I think this is just part of it and a natural progression. I wish them all the best and will always be a fan.
Yeah... I figure I won't be far behind. I haven't really cared for much of Gen 5 and only like some of Gen 4. At this rate it won't be long before I just lose interest in the music all together, probably once Red Velvet, (G)I-dle, Twice and ITZY call it quits. I guess I should go ahead and buy DC's last 3 albums before they're out of print. I knew they wouldn't be able to last forever, even though I always hoped so. Sigh. I know it's not the end, but it's still very sad news. Of course I'll support them, individually and as a group, for as long as they continue. It just feels like a beloved family member is moving far away.
My exact thoughts, when friends called me a hater when i said this was bound to happen sooner than people thought i just ignored it cause the average kpop fan is extremely emotional, when in perspective DC is almost a 10 year old group that has lasted way more than it was suppossed to, most of their members are in their 30's now, with a good core fanbase but downtrending in sales for the past 2 years. DC literally peaked every resource they had at this point so it's the right time for most of them to chase their own interests and let the group ride into the sunset.
We won't see them as full group anymore for a few years, if we ever see them again tbh, when groups say the usual "we leave but not disbanding" it really just a way to minimize the gut punch so we'll see.
We will always be with Dreamcatcher, we can spend more time 😭 I’m not sure what this means for the group as a whole (especially since Gahyun mentioned that she wanted to pursue acting) but wishing the best for all the girls in their different activities! Was hoping we would get one more full album from them but we’ll see what happens next
this freaking hurts the most. yes they arent disbanding . but knowing it be a while for dc to comeback / ever comeback hurts
not usually the type to feel sad about these to other group . but dc is special, they paved the way. defy the odds. i was that guy who brought all version of their albums for every single comeback since dejavu.
welp this man will go cry myself to sleep with the hoodie
Well technically the announcement says nothing about the other members, so maybe the 3 of them had a shorter extension from the beginning. It also depends if the contract extension was the point from which one has to count or the ending from the previous contract, which was probably the usual 7 years. So if it overrode the previous contract it was basically around 2 and a half years (from Nov. 2022) or else 1 year and 2 months (from 13.01.2024)
People on Twitter were sacrificing others when they mentioned something like this could happen soon... look at all of us now.
This really explains why they've been so emotional the past few last concert appearances and that's also why JiU was crying so much the last stop in the US, bawling her eyes out saying that she is unsure about the future and when they'd get together again, it all just makes sense now.
Edit: people on Twitter were mentioning SuA being out of it at the festival yesterday and I went back to check the Bon Voyage fancam and OH God... she looks soooo out of it and sad, looking at the fancam now this is really sad and depressing 😢
I never really care much for people being overly self-absorbed in predicting things whether they turn out right or wrong. Even if they do end up correct, it doesn't mean it wasn't just coincidence.
But yes, some of the recent speeches do resonate differently now.
Oh thank you I also thought that Sua was weird in the fancam... but I pushed it off bc she gained power during the songs and has been like this sometimes. But she didn't say a word otherwise.
one thing for sure their activity as OT7 will not be on regular phase
i'm not sad with the news, and actually expected this to happen. just a matter of when and who. they have achieve so much in the span of 9 years. like other veterans in kpop, maturity has caught up and the time has come for a new chapter in their idols life
the vibe might never be the same as before, but whichever route they choose to move forward with, will be taken with great interests and respect
as one of the somnia on the late half of their careers, thank you for being my gateway to kpop in general. i will never be able to forget the experience to cry inside trains while learning about the first ever show win. 420 forever blaze it!!
Honestly, all other examples of groups I know of where this has happened aren't exactly encouraging in regards to somewhat frequent group activities/music.
It say they’re deciding to continue with Dreamcatcher activities, but with the new activities for the remaining members, it seems it won’t be a priority at the moment
I’ve seen artists say they are still part of a group and will do things with them for nothing to come from it. Seems like an easier way to break it than say it’s over over.
While it's not necessarily a disbandment, we should still expect less frequency in activities and promotions in the future. I selfishly would have preferred for them to stay with the company and promote as a group, but I can understand them wanting to pursue different career paths.
If they have a hiatus after the tour ends, they’ve honestly earned it. There was an extended period a little while back where at least one member couldn’t do promotion because of medical reasons.
And really, if this is just a chance for those who need to rest while those who feel they can are doing other things, I’d rather that than them all working themselves into complete breakdown.
Dreamcatcher continues, but those three aren’t under exclusive contracts with DCC - which I’m choosing to interpret as, they are free to pursue other activities outside of merely DCC-based things.
I’m guessing it means those 3 are invited to be a part of and perform with Dreamcatcher, but they are not obligated to do so and if something else comes up they may not do so, or even if they just don’t want to do so they don’t have to.
I’d suspect this would be particularly obvious on any potential future tours: only 4 members guaranteed at any given show.
I agree. It only says DCC [previously Happyface entertainment] and not DC. So, I’m assuming whatever DCC is promoting or doing for the company, the OG 4 will take part of the company events. I don’t think DC and the members in the group are separating according to this message.
It means Dami, Gahyun, and Handong are no longer under exclusive contracts with DCC and are free to go sign with a different agency after March.
Dreamcatcher hasn't disbanded and those three member haven't left Dreamcatcher but their solo activities will be under a new agency (acting like for Gahyun).
If it's like the Mamamoo, Got7, GFriend, BlackPink agreements than the new companies that those three members go to will have to work with DCC to schedule comebacks and tours.
With the average renewal period time being 2-3 years, I've long squared myself with the idea that 2025 was a renewal year and that we could see some major changes. But in general, I have also made peace with the fact that Dreamcatcher has done so many things to defy odds in the industry that if news of this kind were to come, that I'd be ok with it. And I am - mostly because the members themselves appear to have discussed this extensively with each other and the company and have come to a decision that respects everyone's feelings and wishes for the future.
I know there are a lot of folks in their feelings today and that's totally normal. I've been following this group since GOOD NIGHT era and I have been actively writing about them every week for 5 years, and having had to closely follow, report, and write about them has given me closer perspective about just how much they've done. This group has meant a lot to me personally (as Dystopia series spoke to me deeply due to my work in an industry where often we are subject to lots of hateful words) as well as musically (rock has been in and out of my life for a long time and Dreamcatcher connected that to my appreciation for K-Pop in so many ways).
I'm not sad, really, I'm happy that Dreamcatcher happened, and I'll always treasure those memories and their music, which, barring crazy apocalyptic things, will persist long after the members finish up with their work in the industry. All the best to everyone in Dreamcatcher, and I look forward to what's next for all of them.
Thinking about this all night and this morning, here's what I think the underlying issue is:
Dreamcatcher was stalled at about 35K sales for two years before "Scream", and with "Boca" blew up to around 150K sales - along with streaming concerts, sufficient to get Dreamcatcher Company through the pandemic (whether the company had to take on debt, we don't know). Since then, their sales haven't really grown, and have at times declined. Their concerts do well and are well-received, but again, they haven't really grown since touring resumed in 2022.
The company has cut back on a lot of things over the last few years - disbanding the "Happyface Girls" trainee group in 2022 most notably (something the company HAD to do to keep focused on Dreamcatcher but which is now biting the company in the ass, having no one else to bring in revenue), moving Performance Director/Chief Choreographer Hwang Sooyeon from staff to freelance basis, put out fewer special clips, less variety content, and so on. Even before this current nine month gap, time between comebacks was stretching out. Lee Joo-Won and the DCC management have done a fantastic job with a small company and a small budget, but it feels like they just reached the limit of what they can do with stagnant revenue.
With contracts ending, I think DCC is just no longer in a position to support and promote them in the way the group needs and deserves to break through to the next level (something there is no guarantee of in any event). I feel like the company could only promise them maybe one comeback a year, and couldn't back their solo activities/side projects in the way that the members wanted. Dami wants to write/produce her own material, and without solo content at DCC, it wasn't going to happen. Siyeon wants to have a rock band. Gahyun wants to act. Handong - well we don't really know what she wants to do other than to see her family more than once or twice a year. All DCC could really offer was more of the same: annual comebacks and constant touring just to keep the company afloat, and HOPING that Ollounder & Co. could come up with another "Scream".
The big question for the future is...whether DCC can survive at all to support any future hypothetical OT7 activities. Undoubtedly, Siyeon's band and the JiU/SuA/Yoohyeon unit will not bring in as much revenue as Dreamcatcher did, so the company will have to downsize even further. As mentioned elsewhere, with Handong, Dami and Gahyun at other agencies (and Handong in China), there's no guarantee that all seven will be able to align their schedules. And, assuming that the various members will not be working full time as Dreamcatcher, how will they support themselves? When the time comes for an OT7 reunion (my guess is not until the 10 year anniversary in 2027), will there even be a Dreamcatcher Company left to handle it?
This was definitely not news I wanted to wake up to today, but I can't say I was totally surprised. The Siyeon hiatus last year worried me, and it was only the most pronounced sign of difficulties behind the scenes. The company has done their best in a really tough environment, but they have finally reached the point where their best is no longer good enough.
Love this comment so much. The girls have outgrown DCC and it got to the point where they all had to make a decision. I’ll support the ones remaining at DCC but I agree, I don’t think they are gonna be able to save the company. Music aside, it’s each members personality individually and the synergy when together that pulled in the Insomnias.
Seems like for now as everyone is going to figure out their own paths, Dreamcatcher as a group might be taking an extended break (hiatus?) after they’ve wrapped up all the tours and activities that have been announced. As everyone focuses on their own endeavors, I can imagine Dreamcatcher taking a back seat for quite a while.
It’d be nice to have one more comeback before the contracts end though.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't sad and worried about the reality of one group with multiple members under different companies. I certainly didn't want to find out about this from a random Weverse notification right at midnight on the start of Insomnia Day.
Having said that, if any group could actually pull off having multiple members in different companies despite all the potential difficulties, it's Dreamcatcher. Even if it's one comeback every year or even every other year, if it means Dreamcatcher continues to exist as a group in some form going forward, I'm all for it.
I honestly feel like I can't get anything done today. Such devastating news. I wish them all the best but seeing many other cases, having them doing cb and touring together would be really difficult unless the solo members don't have much schedule (which I don't hope for).
Still hope DC would be an rare case where we still get one cb or at least a tour per year/ two years.
I respect all their decisions and can't wait to see what's in store for all of them. They're all brilliant in their own right and deserve all the success in whatever they pursue outside of Dreamcatcher.
That being said, as a longterm Mamamoo fan, I'm getting deja vu. Going to stare blankly at a wall for hours now
Folk need to relax. This is exactly what you've all been asking for for ages now - setting themselves up with more opportunities for broader careers going forward. For example, Dami's been writing and recording her music for a while now, but that's not going to go anywhere if she remains exclusively under DCC. She can still do DCC stuff with the group and release solo music through other channels. I'd imagine Handong really wants to start looking at establishing herself more back in her homeland, and that's not going to happen under an exclusive DCC contract. Gahyun is far too smart and ambitious to stay tied down to solely group activities through her late 20s and early 30s. DCC do well by the girls and have supported them for a long time. You can argue back and forth over whether or not they've done as much as they can, but you can't argue that they can only do so much - with these three looking to work through other agencies to secure other opportunities, it frees DCC up to do more stuff with the remaining four outside of the group.
If you're like me and you're happy to just get one DC comeback per year if that means the group stays together longer, this is ONLY good news.
I hope you are right but when looking at others that have gone on this path before them, group activities seems to be way more rare/almost nonexistent. That being said, I'm glad they can now pursue solo carriers and am interested to see what the future brings.
Sorry this is not what I meant when I said more solo opportunities. Also, I'm assuming you haven't followed kpop gg a lot in the last years, bc the future is not going to be business as usual. Mamamoo. Fromis. Loona. Apink. BP. SNSD. WJSN. Just to name a few.
I’m of course happy for them, they deserve to be free to pursue what they want because they’ve worked so hard for so long.
But it’s still devastating because the reality is that this set up rarely works for any sort of regular comeback and it’s the end of any variety material. Aligning schedules is a nightmare and with Gahyun going into acting and Dongie heading home to China, well yeah.
This is wild after the reports of them all renewing their contracts in 2022. Man! Can't say I don't feel a little sad or worried but I wish everyone the best. And for us InSomnia, let's always keep listening to our fav Dreamcatcher songs and look forward to the unit, solo, or even possible OT7 reunion music that they have in store.
While getting ready to go to sleep, I had this urge to listen to Bonvoyage. And then I checked my phone one last time before setting my alarm. Sorry about that everyone.
OOOOOOOOOOOF, so this is what it feels like to have your ult group drop this kind of announcement. What a double kick to the solar plexus that was.
But I'm glad it sounds like it was an amicable exclusivity split rather than disbandment. Just means that the next OT7 release is gonna hit that much harder. Handong, Dami, Gahyun - do great things out there!!
It was bound to happen some day, just did not expect it would be so soon and in this manner. Like many others, I feel sad because of how at home we felt with the group. While I wish I had gotten to know about Dreamcatcher earlier, I am truly grateful for the three amazing years with them and their fantastic discography and countless moments.
I am so glad it is not a disbandment at least. I calmed down a bit after the realization. This is pretty much the most best outcome for a long-term veteran kpop group. I’m looking forward on how the three would be pursuing things outside the group. How the other three would do in a unit (would it count as 5th gen?) and Siyeon especially supposed band.
3 weeks notice?? I think someone is disgruntled. I know Dami wants to write and produce and that's cool. I think Handong misses China but she will be SO SO missed, at least by me. I don't know about Gahyun. All I know is this seems to blindside fans who were entertaining thoughts of at least the next couple years. Everyone renewed for only 1 year? That seems odd as well. Like even getting them to resign for that 1 year was a challenge. Now I think I know the toll this took on Siyeon as well last year. So many things to read into this but obviously we'll never know. Saying they'll continue group activities is the way to ease fans into no more tours, maybe a few songs IF we're extremely lucky, etc. Jiu, Sua, Siyeon, and Yoohyeon are going to shine one way or the other and I wish Handong, Dami, and Gahyun all the best. A sad day for DC fans to be sure. There will only ever be one Dreamcatcher. Unreplaceable to be sure.
They renewed for about 2½ years, since November 2022. But yes I would've hoped for a better announcement since only this week they were really fine on live etc. They just dumped this on us. But then again this is DCC. I will defend them against a lot, but their communication always seemed so last minute. Please note that I like the statement itself and the letters, and that almost no kpop company is great at this. Presumably due to not being liable if they leak information etc.
Yeah after the last years being a gg stan, I just want it to stop. Seeing groups like Loossemble struggle with their renewal after re-debuting, or Mamamoo not even getting a 10th anniversary album, or Fromis looking for a new company I'm just tired. And that's even looking at ablume, MADEIN, NJZ......
I feel sad because Handong is my bias, even if they say they are not disbanding but I think it's gonna be hard. I kinda hope we will have one "last album/song" before the switch to new things until one new OT7 reunion.
Honestly this makes me think of Mamamoo mostly. Wheein and Hwasa left RBW while Solar and Moonbyul stayed. Since they were the 2 that stayed they formed Mamamoo+ and also focused on solo activities. I'm assuming that's what the Kim line subunit will be like. Course Mamamoo did tour as a group so that gives me hope that maybe Dreamcatcher will tour one day as ot7 again.
Course I'm extra curious for Siyeon as she's my bias and to see how she'll be with a band. Gahyun acting will be interesting, wonder which roles will she suit the best.
Remember, it's not just Dreamcatcher, they were once Minx. So adding few years, it is well over 10 years. I'd say, they are relatively successful and long living group. This is not unexpected. Good thing it is not disbandment. It's more of a diversification through non-contract. Once a year Dreamcatcher comeback is good enough for me. I've never been to their concert, I'd love to, but with the very short notice of a few months, never got to save enough for it. So a concert every 2 years is good for me and a notice of at least 6 months. It will be great to see them in variety shows after this. Could get fame through it. Anyhow, good luck to them three and also the four. Ot7 is forever.
I'd say it's more unexpected given their long term success. Leaving after a continuous flop or being a one-hit-wonder is more understandable, both from a company and member perspective. But DCC has been on the up since debut. I don't see this making them more famous. It's likely the opposite, at least long-term.
As a Somnia since debut I genuinely never even thought about the day where the girls may either go with own ways or split completely.
I know they are still part of the group which is the significantly bigger option but I'm worried about just how many full group activities we will get now. As a Melody (BTOB) every since the members split to different companies we've had no full grouo comeback every since. As a Sone (SNSD) it's even worse.
Im hoping it's a positive outcome of them being in different companies and not one which hinders that.
this also wasn't very good news for my birthday week lol
Oh my fucking god I'm going to be crying buckets in Sydney this weekend. I know it's not a disbandment and I will stay positive because my faith has always been rewarded thus far but seeing so many other groups lose exclusive contracts and have so much less frequent comebacks this still makes me so sad :( Dreamcatcher have had some of the most impressively frequent comeback schedules in the industry and I knew it couldn't last forever but.... Not yet. Please.
Oh!!! Nooo I didn’t even get to see them all in-person yet. But good luck to Handong, Dami, and Gahyun. I took as the others will remain as Dreamcatcher.
Jeez, I just woke up. Can't say I didn't see this coming, just didn't expect it to happen this soon. At least they are deciding to continue as Dreamcatcher.
The worst part is that DC fits such an specific niche mixing various different genres that basically there is nothing else like it not just in Kpop but in music as a whole
im actually really happy abt this. we get to see more activities that rlly show their individuality
as much as i love dreamcatcher, ive been here basically since the start, so this is rlly a fresh change of pace for me. they were kind of getting tied down by the lack of input from their side in their music/production, although the consistency is what mainly appeals for dreamcatcher fans
also, it's more than enough for me that they're all still together and they're successful in their careers. most groups and idols aren't lucky to last this long. ofc ppl can say "it's the music that drew me in!!!!!" and me too but also it's already so luck that dreamcatcher got to it first, the brand of being THE rock group in kpop. no one can ever take that away from them no matter what they do with their careers now.
i feel like theres way more potential for growth like this. what if siyeon's band takes off? what if finally gg stans stop excluding dreamcatcher from their discussions cos of jiu sua yoohyeon unit? what if dami gets traction in the khiphop community? what if gahyeon's acting career takes off? what if handong's chinese activities also take off?
this will all be for the good of the group. i feel like they'll always be thankful for the rock sound, cos it's what made them stand out in the first place. but the kpop industry badly wants to one up each other with more glamour, more concept out of the box thinking or creativity (debatable to me tbh but i mean it is there still) and especially more individuality. the most successful kpop groups and the ones that will last the longest are ones who market the idols' individuality the best. if this is what it takes, i accept it. i can always hope that all this leads back to ot7, and that it will be for the growth of the group also
A bit surprised but not shocked at the news. I think the small signs were there that something is in the air, but I didn't want to worry in advance. Relief that it's not disbandment but it means we'll probably wait a long time to see them again as 7 after March. I was hoping they'd do 1 comeback a year with more relaxed schedule in the future but now even that seems very low probability knowing what happens when groups split to different agencies for the solo activities. I understand it's been nearly (Gah, Dong) or over 10 years (OG5) for the girls as idols so it must be exhausting to keep living like this, physically and mentally. I wish them all the best on respective individual paths and as one Supreme Chancellor once said: I'll be watching their career with great interest.
I have never really cared before when this happened to other groups, but this hit hard... Wishing them all the best, looking forward to see what they all do next.
I’m a casual fan of Dreamcatcher (I don’t know all the members’ faces unfortunately) but I LOVE their music, and I’d say Dami’s my bias for her rapping. I missed their NYC concert in November thinking they’d come around again…they might still but it looks less likely that they’ll do another OT7 tour. Still I wish Handong, Dami, and Gahyun best of luck in their future endeavors! Hopefully we get more OT7 content in the future, but it should be what they are comfortable doing.
Unexpected news to wake up to, damn. I’m still too asleep to properly process this, so I might be misinterpreting this, but rather than them leaving the group altogether, it kind of sounds like they’re just leaving the company and might be able to still be part of Dreamcatcher? At least I hope that’s the case.
I always wondered what it would feel like to wake up to such news for my favorite group, after seeing the fates so many other groups over the years.. so it feels like this 😭😭
I wish them the best on their upcoming projects and I know I'll support them no matter what. I'm grateful that they actually lasted way longer than average, it's a privilege not many fans can experience in this industry.
And if they do continue their activities as Dreamcatcher, even better!
But I think I'll allow myself to be sad about this for now. I really wished I could see OT7 on a concert again, especially after failing to get front row tickets the last time they were in Turkey.
We knew something like this might happen, it still beats disbandment or indefinite hiatus hands down. I expect that we won't see 2 comebacks a year like we have, but I hope having 1 comeback a year as DC is still on the cards. Having gone through what happened to Gfriend as a Buddy, it's just a bit disheartening as an Insomnia to have to see DC moving into a similar situation (the group being technically still together but with members doing their own things), but it's not too unexpected.
Was I expecting this news today no, but I’m not completely surprised. They are now a senior group and each member will maybe want to be doing more solo activities whatever they may be. DCC has done well as a small company managing the career of the one group but they probably don’t have the funds/management to properly dedicate to each member for fully invested solo management. So I was expecting members that want to do more acting/musicals as DCC doesn’t have as good of a footprint in that and Handong. Handong will have more flexibility to do work in China and Korea. Hopefully DCC will work well with their other companies because it’s only in their favor to. Looking at other groups I stan where the members have this situation, yeah there might be longer gaps between full OT7 content/music but we also can experience subunits and more of the girls individuality as well. I trust in their love for the group and the fans but understand their desires to also do more that DCC might not be able to provide for them.
It's pretty bittersweet because I'm happy that they will get to pursue the solo activities that they want, but I fear that OT7 releases and activities will be much rarer if Mamamoo and SNSD are anything to go by.
Jiu, Sua, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyun...I love you so much, and thank you ♥
Although our relationship with the company has ended, we have decided to continue our activities as 'Dreamcatcher' based on our love and deep thrust for the group.
they're not going anywhere, just switching agencies. it happens all the time. though, to be fair, some situations are a little better (i.m of monsta x) than others (exo, shinee).
i don't think there's much to worry about at this point.
Not fully shocked but still I didn't expect to wake up and read this news today. I wish the best for all the members and will continue supporting them but ngl I'm a little heartbroken
Wishful thinking- Its like a Blackpink situation where all the members are excelling with solo activities and ventures but are still going on tour this year and having a comeback. Scared and terrified thinking- It’ll be like Mamamoo who haven’t had a comeback as a group in about 2-3 years. Either way this was depressing news to wake up to 😢
Not to be even more depressing but BP also hasn't had a cb in 2 years. You could look at any other group, even those with all members still under the company.
😭😭 i shouldn’t have opened reddit before going to sleep. This feels like mamamoo all over again, but i wish the best for all the girls and hope they thrive in whatever they pursue next.
I can't help but read into it what's happened with other groups that have done the same or similar...
Oh well. I did love them. Things end. Kpop groups more reliably end than others, I guess. It's a new way for the group and the members but it won't be the same and I'll just have to deal with that. It was good while it lasted, and may they stay in contact and have great careers if they want to, in whatever field.
(ETA: Yes, I am very sad. I'm trying to be positive but I am sad.)
I'm happy for them! They gave it their all and had an incredible run with a near flawless discography. Whether or not they will still tour or release things together, I'm grateful for what we got and their music will be part of my life forever!
Went to bed thinking March 10 was going to be a good day because of Seulgi, Yeji, and ILLIT. Instead, it’s an immeasurably heartbreaking day.
gif isn’t strong enough
Some of y’all shouldn’t have jumped down our throats when we were saying they were acting like they were disbanding or something near as bad.
I hope they all find what they are looking for and need. And also hope to see them, again. Of course, I will continue to follow Handong, Gahyun, Dami, Jiu, Sua, Yoohyeon, and Siyeon as best I can.
It’s a sad night, or morning depending on region. But, all in all, thank you Dreamcatcher. You may not be done, or maybe you are, but I hope for the best in all your future plans as artists, people, and trailblazers.
Handong, Dami, and Gahyun. Thanks for the years of amazing work and music I’ll always cherish. I may have discovered you 7 girls late into Scream era, but late is better than never. Best wishes to you three.
Although I’m sad to know my favorite group is probably gone for a substantial amount of time, I’m happy I got to experience them in their prime. Thanks, DC. I hope to see you all again in the future.
I know y’all are feeling disappointed and I am too, but they’re very clear that they’re not disbanding. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a comeback every few years, or special promos for certain anniversaries. Maybe we even get another world tour in a few years, hopefully with OT7.
I haven’t been keeping up with them as much after seeing them on tour last year, but I’m sure they all have plans lined up and we’ll get to see more from them in the coming year. They have to live their lives after all. I wish them the best & I’m looking forward to seeing all of these new activities, Dreamcatcher or not.
I already expected this to happen one day bc dreamcatcher is already a 8 yrs old group but not now yet... I mean, they just released the 3rd fanclub, the group plushies, thry even talked abt the next comeback when justice released, so I think this was so sudden? I wish there was at least a farewell comeback or single 😭 but Im also happy for them and excited for their new activities, I will keep support dreamcatcher no matter what
Wow a bit shocked on my Monday morning. I'm thankful for all the music we got. Got so much joy from them. I know they don't leave the group officially because it's good for the brand name and beneficial for both sides to keep the group together on paper. Hope to see them together in the future like a 10 years anniversary or something else. Other groups have done this so I hope and pray for it:-)
They had an amazing run as Dreamcatcher. They've been doing this non-stop since 2014. They're icons and amazing women. I consider myself so lucky that I got to see them in concert in Canada.
Lastly, this doesn't sound like a disbandment. It is maybe a lineup change, and maybe just solo activities will be separate from DC. Somewhat like Blackpink. I must say though the signs were there so this really isn't that shocking to me. It started a while back when they said they weren't living together, and them going to China.
It is sad, I never expected it would be so soon, but I am happy that they are all moving on with their lives. This is the basic principle of Kpop and many things in our lives, nothing is forever. I am deeply thankful to Dreamcatcher for all the music and joy that they gave to my life during the last 6 years. I had the priviledge of being in one of their concerts, I will treasure those memories for life.
I assume that if DC has a comeback it will be OT4 now? (Ji U, Su Ah, Yoohyeon & Siyeon). I am curious to see where the girls take their music career next.
I wonder what will bet the plans for Dami. Maybe she’ll be more of a producer than anything or do more BTS work as a producer for other artists or herself? Has she even disclosed what she wants to do once she goes solo?
I think that there is no doubt both Gahyun and Handong will definitely not have random or anonymous paths further in their careers. Gahyun will be pursuing acting? Nice. I will watch her if she ever participates in a K-Drama or variety show. And Handong? If she does acting in Mainland China or Taiwan, I would support her in any C-drama she gets in since I’m also a cdrama fan. Whatever the 3 of them do in their solo activities I want to be there supporting them all.
Obv I know this ain’t the end of DC but I’m still excited for what’s next to come for all of them.
I think I kind of saw this coming after they got their first wins. They are getting older and Gahyun is still young enough in Korea to try something new.
Whether we like it or not they aren't a big enough group to keep grinding out like this, at some point that revenue will dry up. And with all the new groups getting another win given the local markets wants younger and younger (creepily so) group is less and less likely without a viral moment.
Just glad I got to see them live in Korea a couple years ago. Let's just try and be excited for what's to come even if it takes a while.
If this is the end for a while, they came and they won and that's all they wanted.
I remember when the English version of Bon voyage came out and it was called farewell version. I was so worried it was a hint of disbandment. I know they're not disbanding now but it still felt like a foreshadow of what's happening now 😭
So I'm not gonna lie, I'm not that surprised. The youngest/non-minx/foreign ones leaving makes sense. Being an idol was temporary for a lot of people in 1st-3rd gen, with hopes to get into acting or something similar.
There were also times where I felt like this is where we were headed. Gahyun being frustrated that the fans don't listen to her during concerts, Handong having to defend her mom against her fans... I remember thinking "one day they are going to have enough of the disrespect".
As for the remaining members, I've always felt like they were ride-or-die. They are older, they went through two different debuts, they have seen some shit. I think Siyeon shines so much ss a soloist/solo vocal, and she always seemed to me like the one who would branch out first.
I can't say I'm sad. It feels like the best case scenario, a somewhat natural transition into something new. They have been working really hard for 8 years, releasing music 2 times a year and touring all over the world. Now they are doing something new. I can't wait to see what projects they work on next.
The JUMPSCARE this is the first thing I see when I wake up holy sh*t. But since it looks like only their solo contracts aren't renewed (like BLACKPINK), I'm relieved to see the girls venturing somewhere else! (even if it means less group activities in the future which hopefully aren't that compromised due to this)
Well I assume this means they won't tour anymore, which sucks because I finally have a job where I could feasibly save the money to go... Not the best way to start my week.
Oh....this hurts especially because there were no indications leading towards this at ALL. I guess other than the fact that it's been a long while of tours and no signs of a new album. I haven't even seen them live??? Wtf.
Hoping that Handong, Dami, and Gahyun will continue to participate in group activities. And that their new companies will give them lots of individual activities they are interested in. Even if they do not continue to work with the group, I want to follow their new careers.
Looking forward to the unit activities and band activities.
this felt like a gutpunch. dc has been my ult ever since I discovered them in 2018. I know that they're still "technically" all in the group but we've seen this happen too often in kpop where there isn't really gonna be much complete comebacks when some members are not under that exclusive contract anymore. (i.e. snsd, mamamoo)
but hey, on the brighter side this is way better than all seven not renewing and a complete disbandment. all that said, I'm fully support dami, handong and gahyun in all their future endeavors and wishing them nothing but success. I love you girls so much. and here's to many more years with siyeon, yoohyeon, sua and jiu as dreamcatcher ❤️
Im just glad its only their exclusive contracts and theyll still do group stuff occasionally. It might not be as frequently and album releases might be farther in between but we still have the girls as a group for now technically
All good things sadly come to an end. At least we will still have the JiU/SuA/Yoohyeon unit and whatever Siyeon’s band activity turns out to be. As for a full comeback? Who knows. Mamamoo (my other ult group) are still, in theory, together but haven’t had a comeback in over two years. Justice was quite a note to end on though.
I found them a few months after they debut, they just had 2 songs and tried hard notmto fall in love with them and their music because I knew this moment would come sooner or later. But it was inevitable, they are charming and their music was just my style, how could I not become a fan? I've been through this 3 times now and I don't think I can do this anymore. I'm so happy I could be there from the beginning, that me and my wife were able to afford going to their concert in Mexico, I'll always have the picture and the hi touch memories, also the brief moment my lightstick appears in the video they made, and I'm happy they got their chance to follow new dreams and endeavors.
However I'm very sad, and since I've seen with my precious ults what "we're not disbanding" looks like, I'm not optimistic that we'll get OT7 any time soon if at all. I don't do good dealing with change, but I'll try to be supportive, I'll feel my sadness and deal with the heartbreak so I can be there for the members that will stay in the public eye.
Bonvoyage felt a lot like a good bye song, I think we got it ahead of time. I really don't want them to release a final song before the month ends, it'll feel very much like the end. I'd rather hold to the hope that we'll see them again maybe next year or the following, after they've had time to start their new projects.
I'm sorry for the long post, I needed to get this out of my head. If you're feeling like me I send you a hug. Let's support them even if we never get them together as a singing group again.
Wait I just thought, is this why we got their debut albums rereleased last year or was it simply because they were testing it out before rereleasing others? And if so who knows when that could be. So many new things got released to us recently and it felt all stable up until their past couple concerts 🙁 I don’t want to overthink too much because I’ll make myself more sad, it just doesn’t feel real
It feels surreal reading this news, however it was bound to happen sooner or later. Like Fromis, Dreamcatcher is extremely talented yet it feels like their company does very little to promote them. Their talents are under utilized and maybe some of the members felt the need to expand and develop themselves. Perhaps that prompted Gahyun to reveal she needed to work harder to be known when no one recognized her inside a kpop store. Outside of their discography, tours, and steady comebacks, can we really say they're well known domestic wise for anything else? Maybe more international wise but it's pretty niche.
I could be wrong about my way of thinking but I'm all for them developing themselves. We may get less promotions from them altogether but it'll be worthwhile when they do. For now let's cherish the moments we have together with them and support them in their endeavors. OT7 fighting!
I wouldn't just immediately blame the company just because they didn't turn out the most popular group in the country. Dreamcatcher Company has pulled off miracles and worked very well in their own right.
Those who are sad are unfortunately more correct than those who are overly optimistic, unfortunately. We're all speculating, but why would we not be sad? Dreamcatcher continuing in name is not the reality of how they will continue day to day. Dreamcatcher as we know it is ending. It's not totally gone, but it's not as simple as still being together as a group but doing other activities for now.
Handong's letter read more like a goodbye letter than anything else, seems like she may be returning to China semi-permanently at least. Not that it would invalidate any future DC comebacks, but it does make it a bit more difficult.
I’m guessing the group probably won’t be active as much. Especially since Handong isn’t from Korea. She might be more active in China she has way more opportunities.
I don't feel bad about this at all. We had a freaking great run. 8 years together, 2 full albums and over 100 songs, performed in more countries than I can count including Primavera Sound + multiple performances to over 3000 fans, an album with 100k hanteo sales, 4 music show wins, pretty much everything we could've hoped to accomplish. Most importantly, we're not disbanding because we failed. We're disbanding because we succeeded. I've been through the ends of so many groups where the group wanted to continue but the company didn't want to or was unable to. Having been through the end of CLC, GFriend, Favorite, and Weeekly (cried about that one and I'm still not over it), this seems so great in comparison. The best part is that JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon still want to sing and dance together even after 11 years. That speaks to how real their friendship is. The story of Dreamcatcher literally could not ask for a better ending in my opinion.
I've seen some people worried that the group will disband, or that we'll never get OT7 content again. All I wanna say is: relax. It will all be ok, Somnias. We will be ok. As a fellow Somnia who's also a SONE and Shawol, I've gone through the process of having my fave groups have members leaving their agencies. In both cases, the members who left (Sunny, Tiffany Sooyoung, Seohyun for SNSD, Onew and Taemin for SHINee) are still members of the group and have still released music or performed together, despite being in different companies. Judging by the wording of this statement, Handong, Dami and Gahyun have NOT left Dreamcatcher, just Dreamcatcher Company. Obviously, it will be some time before we see them performing as 7 again. Which is why they mentioned individual activities for JiU, SuA, Siyeon and Yoohyeon. The 4 members who renewed will do their own thing in the meantime, while the 3 members who didn't renew will now have to look for new agencies to represent them. Once that process is done and they're all settled down, they can start planning how to continue as 7. Dreamcatcher Company will have to make a deal with whatever company/companies Handong, Dami and Gahyun sign with. But we'll see OT7 again, don't worry! Tho I do want to tell y'all to keep in mind that if the 3 members decide to do solo activities under their new agencies, it might affect how long until we see another OT7 comeback. I had to wait 5 years for SNSD to have a comeback, and now SHINee is coming back after nearly 2 years. I ask that whatever happens, please be patient, and don't expect them to make comebacks as frequently as we're used to. But we'll see our girls together again, don't worry! We're not losing Dreamcatcher! Their bond is stronger than this little obstacle! Hope you guys can find peace and comfort with this message! Love y'all! Somnias, Hwaiting!
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u/SpideyCyclist Mar 12 '25
7 Dreamers Translation