Dongyo Entertainment said on the 15th that after discussions with the members, the group agreed to wrap up DKZ’s activities after its scheduled commitments through May 31, 2026.
The agency thanked the members “for their precious effort and time,” and also expressed gratitude to the fandom, known as Dongari, for accompanying the group on its journey.
Jaechan also addressed fans directly. “From my debut on April 24, 2019, to today in 2026, so much has happened, and it was a series of happy days beyond what I can put into words,” he said. “Thanks to Ari, I think I was able to feel so many emotions — crying and laughing, enjoying and being happy.”
He said he came forward because he felt he needed to share “the end of the journey” from debuting as Dongkiz to becoming DKZ. “Because I was with DKZ, I could become who I am now,” he said, adding that he learned and grew while meeting fans who were “the most precious and reliable” presence for him.
Explaining the decision, Jaechan said it still did not feel real that the name DKZ — which he said described his entire life from his late teens to age 26 — would no longer be attached to him. He said the members spent time thinking deeply about the direction each wanted to pursue and their dreams, and concluded that supporting one another while walking separate paths was the more meaningful choice.
After group activities end, the five members will pursue individual work. The agency said the members plan to meet fans through solo activities starting in June. It said Jaechan and Juwon have completed contract renewals and will continue working in various fields, while Sehyeon, Mingyu and Giseok will also move forward as artists under the agency. The company said it would continue to fully support all five members and asked for continued encouragement.
Jaechan also renewed his exclusive contract and is expected to continue working with Dongyo Entertainment through 2028. “I’ve been promised full support for my overall entertainment activities, so I would be truly grateful if you continue to join me on my journey and be a great source of strength,” he said. “The name DKZ will remain a precious time I will never forget,” he added. “Ari, thank you always, and I love you.”
DKZ debuted in 2019 as “Dongkiz.” The group continued activities through a name change and lineup changes, and in 2022 reorganized into a five-member group with the addition of new members.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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