Following the news, it was announced today (Sept. 5), that Liu signed with Steel Wool Entertainment to represent her worldwide, and is currently preparing to release what is being described as her “first solo album”. She previously signed with Steel Wool for management in the U.S. market, and has released several single albums, a mixtape, and a Korea-focused EP.
After Liu’s announcement, Victoria Song similarly posted a message on her official social media accounts on Wednesday (Sept. 4, Sept. 5 in Asia), in which she also announced her departure from SM. “Now, it’s the 10-year anniversary, it is an end and also a beginning,” she wrote, as translated by Soompi. “I’m thankful for everything in these 10 years with SM; we will begin the next journey in a new manner. This is a new beginning, a restart to my journey, but I will still be me, I will continue to be myself, not forget the past and move forward.
Victoria has been pursuing a career in the Chinese market in recent years.
On Thursday (Sept. 5), SM Entertainment revealed in a statement to South Korean media that Luna’s contract with the company has also not been renewed, and that the company is looking to further collaborate with Victoria. The fourth member of f(x), Krystal, is still contracted to the Korean entertainment company, as is former member Sulli, who left f(x) in 2015.
f(x) arrived on the global music scene with their single "La Cha Ta" in 2009. Since then, they've gained a reputation as one of K-pop's most experimental girl groups, and gained a sizable following due to their unique electro-pop discography. Over the years, the act saw four albums appear within the top two spots on the World Albums chart. Their most recent release, 2015's 4 Walls, and their standout 2013 album Pink Tape both peaked at No. 1 upon their releases, while 2012's Electric Shock and 2014's Red Light each peaked at No. 2.
