If you follow any of AB6IX’s recent activities, or even listened to their last album release and read the lyrics, or followed/watched any of their interviews or recent content, it’s pretty clear the members are ending the chapter of AB6IX, at least for now, with a lot of good feelings. I’m actually really enjoying how they’re doing this, because they’re not making it a surprise at all to fans that they very likely won’t be renewing their contracts as a group.
AB6IX, I can confidently say, have been my ult group in kpop, and I’ve been around listening to kpop since the mid 2000s. I feel like I’ve seen it all with them. That I got the full experience following their journey, and it has been so satisfying. I only first got into their music during their VIVID promotions but I’ve watched them grow musically and professionally over the years and it has been such a delight to see how they’ve changed. But most of all with these past few months, I’m just really thankful that the members haven’t held back in showing fans how much they’ve appreciated their time as AB6IX. You don’t often get to have that when groups disband, so I really appreciate the soft landing they’ve been setting up for ABNEW. They’ve also given fans a lot of goodbye activities to attend as things wind down. I’m also surprised BNM is actually spending some time and money on these farewell activities because these are considered money losses, knowing the group you’re still spending money on aren’t going to renew. A 7th anniversary photoshoot without the company holding out a hand for money to fans? Heck yeah.
I was also pleasantly surprised they got another School Attack episode for their recent comeback. Like, some of these activities/promotions they’re doing I wouldn’t expect to see from a group in “contract renewal” discussion where you can already guess the outcome. I guess some of it has to do with Daehwi and Woojin rekindling their Wanna One pull, but I’m glad they were able to pull that to promoting activities for AB6IX.
Some other things I really enjoy/enjoyed seeing recently as they prepare for their last concert together:
AB6IX integrating their fankit content into a (high) chance of getting Polaroids of the boys at their concert plus special photocards (you just have to write a letter to them on the fankit paper and hand it in to a booth at their upcoming concert).
AB6IX literally releasing a final, full album, including solo songs, with so many heartfelt goodbye messages. Their latest title track literally has the lyrics “good-goodbye!” in it. Who does that for a 7th year comeback title track?! I can guess Woojin is excited for his holiday break after AB6IX too, considering his solo song on the album is called “Holiday” lol. Woong writing the lyrics for the ending song “Forever” and strong-arming the company into including the song in the Crimson Horizon album is also just too sweet. I’m glad he did though because Forever is a nice ending song.
Woong producing his own unreleased song just for ABNEW called “Avenue.” And for the first time actually writing “ABNEW” in the lyrics instead of alluding to it. Thank you! That has been bothering me for forever! He finally scratched that itch.
Daehwi also had pretty much stated ahead a couple weeks ago on Radio Star that he wasn’t going to renew with BNM, and that he already spoke about it to Rhymer, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise to fans. He made it clear. Like crystal clear. lol. I think this was a bold, considerate move, because it just gave fans a good heads up that their upcoming concert will be their last. Consequently tickets sold out so at least they will have a full house for the 2-day event.
Donghyun also mentioning on his last Dongdonghada episode on YouTube that he joined BNM at 19 and has been working nonstop until now at the age of 29, that “I always believe that an end leads to a new beginning. So don’t be too upset! I’ll do something, whatever it is. So you don’t have to worry.” Even though he was referencing the Dongdonghada episodes I think he was also talking about his time with AB6IX. Just reassuring his fans that things won’t end with AB6IX is a nice message. I hope he can finally get those acting jobs he’s been wanting to do but couldn’t because of company/kpop stuff.
Anyway, my one regret is that I won’t get to watch their last concert live because I’m freaking working both nights they stream. Guess I’ll have to try to watch them after. Curse you BNM for the short announcement window!
Also, I just wish Donghyun & Woong had a chance to create a title track for AB6IX. Woong has gotten really good at writing music. A lot of his songs sound like they could belong in an anime OST. In fact his b-sides have been some of my favorite lately on AB6IX’s latest albums.
I’m both grateful and peeved at BNM. I’m grateful BNM gave them so much freedom with their music and activities, peeved because even now they’re kind of clueless with how to promote their kpop groups (at least they wised up and handed Younite over to Paramusic). I might be pissed at AB6IX if they do renew with BNM. I think it’s time for them to fly the coup and spread their own wings. Be free AB6IX! Be free!
And happy 7th anniversary! I’m glad they made it to the end and are giving fans a warm closing to a thicc juicy discography & group career. Even if AB6IX did not get as popular as other kpop groups I count them as a success because they’ve managed to create a solid group, create solid, good catchy music, grow professionally, and maintain their loyal Korean fanbase despite the incompetency of their company. I can’t wait to see what they start up next! After their members take a well-deserved break, that is. Although poor Woong…he’s up for military enlistment soon.
ALSO how freaking sweet??? They just released a live practice of Forever today. Makes me want to say “awww” out loud. I’m gonna miss them!
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