On July 10th KST, it was revealed by WYNN Entertainment that boy group SPECTRUM has officially disbanded two years and two months after their debut!
The company announced the startling news through the group’s official fan cafe. They explained that due to the worsening situation at the agency, including problems posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, that they can no longer maintain and support the group.
It was then decided the members’ contracts are terminated as of July 10th KST, the company thanking SPECTRUM for the past three years (including trainee days), and apologising sincerely to the fans who have supported and loved the group until now. Offering their gratitude to the fans, the company says they will continue to support the members in their future activities.
The news was a sudden and unexpected shock for both the group and the fandom which is named “LANTANA” after the color changing flower that has a spectrum of seven colors to representing each of the seven members of the group.
A few of the members have since posted updates after the news reveal, either through fan cafe letters or Instagram posts.
Rapper and sub vocalist Hwarang posted on his personal Instagram page on July 11th KST (his first post since 2018) with the caption, “We were standing together till the end. Thank you.”
Lead vocalist Donggyu posted a heartfelt letter on the official fan cafe and on his Instagram account, expressing his love towards the fans, crediting them for making SPECTRUM possible and promising that he will be okay wherever he may be. He later changed his Instagram bio to include the phrase, “GOD BLESS LANTANA.”
Youngest member Eunjun also posted on the fan cafe saying how happy he was during his time as a SPECTRUM member, thanking fans for all the support and good memories that gave him strength during difficult times while also promising to try his best to meet the fans again.
[UPDATED ON JULY 13TH KST]
Eunjun updated his Instagram with a picture of the group with the caption “Let’s Meet Again.”
Main vocalist Jaehan posted a letter on Instagram, Twitter and the group’s fan cafe thanking fans for the precious memories of the past 2 years and 2 months. He emphasized that although the group ended things with the company, their relationship with the fans has not and because of the strength he has received from Lantana, he doesn’t even think of giving up and will continue singing.
Main rapper and lead dancer Villain posted a letter on the fan cafe describing the happy memories with fans as a gift that he is so grateful for. He added that the difficult moments were soon forgotten when he heard the cheers and read the letters of support from fans; and while he is not sure when it will be, he wants to meet again with a smile.
[END OF UPDATE]
Originally expected to debut in October 2017 but delayed due to the group’s participation on the YG survival program “Mix Nine,” SPECTRUM officially debuted as seven members on May 10th, 2018 with the song “Light It Up” and their first mini album Be Born.
A few short months later beloved member, main rapper and visual Dongyoon passed away suddenly on July 27th KST, the sad news shocked not only SPECTRUM fans but the entire K-pop community.
Many fans were uncertain of the group’s future during this time, however the members showed great strength and determination to carry on, sharing a handwritten letter stating “the seven lights of SPECTRUM have not dimmed yet,” and reiterating “we will always shine brightly as seven, not six.”
September 6th, 2018 KST marked the release of their last recorded song with Dongyoon, a warm and emotional ballad “Dear My.”
Dongyoon participated in the writing of the lyrics which expressed his love and gratitude for fans, while member Jaehan produced the track. It was the members’ hope that through this song Dongyoon will never be forgotten, writing that he is “shining brightly in the sky right now.”
The music video showcases memories of the seven members through videos and moments, serving as a tribute to Dongyoon.
Shortly following the release of “Dear My,” SPECTRUM released their second mini album Timeless Moment, with the powerful title track “What Do I Do.”
In April of 2019, they released their third single album Refreshing Time and the catchy and bubbly title track “After Party.”
The group’s most recent comeback was earlier this year in February, after almost 10 months of inactivity, releasing their fourth single album 0325 featuring the stylish dance-pop number “Showtime.”
Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, SPECTRUM were unable to meet with their fans face to face for the promotions, but they put their everything into each stage and activity, as always making LANTANA worldwide proud!
We wish all the members the best of success in their future paths!
Justin is an avid K-pop fanboy and a lifelong lover of music who has a passion for sharing his love of underrated and lesser known groups. He has always admired SPECTRUM and found their strength and ability to overcome hardships inspiring, he also LOVES their music – “Dear My” being one of his all time favourite ballads that moves him in the way great music should. He sincerely hopes people won’t forget about them or overlook them now that they have disbanded, because music is timeless and never disbands and SPECTRUM’s discography is too good to let go of and not keep enjoying. #ThankYouSPECTRUM
Media: WYNN Entertainment