I.M is no longer with Starship Entertainment. 

In an announcement made on 8 August, the Korean entertainment company shared that I.M has decided to not renew his contract with them but will still continue to participate in MONSTA X's group activities. Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney have all decided to renew their contracts with Starship Entertainment.

"As all six members share the same thoughts and affection towards the group and MONBEBE (MONSTA X fans), I.M has agreed to continue and participate in the group's future plans," said Starship Entertainment. 

📢
몬스타엑스 전속 계약 관련 안내

▶ https://t.co/zzvNey4yii

— 몬스타엑스_MONSTA X (@OfficialMonstaX) August 8, 2022

Read Starship Entertainment's full statement here. 

Hello, this is Starship Entertainment.

We are deeply grateful for all the love and support MONBEBE is sending to MONSTA X from all around the world.

Lately, MONSTA X members SHOWNU, MINHYUK, KIHYUN, HYUNGWON, and JOOHONEY have renewed their contract with Starship Entertainment. As all six members share the same thoughts and affection towards the group and MONBEBE, I.M has agreed to continue and participate in the group's future plans.

We will do everything to support members based on the mutual trust we have built together. Our commitment is to provide our artists with undivided attention and systematic support.

Although discussions with I.M have undergone for a long period of time, we have mutually agreed to end the contract for the best of both parties. Our sincere appreciation goes out to I.M. for the hard work and dedication he has shown over the years. 

We will support him wholeheartedly for both his participation as a member of MONSTA X and an individual artist. 

It has been a month since MONSTA X took a break. We are working on various plans with the members to return the unconditional love we have received from MONBEBE.

Please continue to send your unwavering love and support to the six members of MONSTA X.

Following the announcement, I.M took to the group's official fancafe to share a handwritten letter, where he details wanting to challenge himself as an artist outside of Starship Entertainment and reassures fans that MONSTA X will remain as six. 

Read I.M's letter below. 

Hello. This is MONSTA X’s I.M.

Seven years have gone by since I made my first start as a singer with Starship.

As we’ve been together for a long time, I’ve grown fond [of Starship], but I thought I needed a new challenge with different meaning, so after a lot of thinking, I came to this decision.

I want to sincerely thank my Starship family members who I’ve spent many days with, laughing and crying together up until now.

To Monbebe, who created our happiest and brightest moments with us. I will prioritize MONSTA X’s promotions and MONSTA X will be with Monbebe as six, like always.

I love you Monbebe. I will become an Im Chang Kyun and I.M who shows you an image of continuing growth.

Thank you.

In 2021, I.M released his first solo mini-album DUALITY and his single album, LOOP. While MONSTA X, as a group, dropped their mini-album, SHAPE OF LOVE earlier this year. 

Listen to I.M's 'LOOP' here.