S Poddar
In a shocking move within the K-pop scene, the girl group Loossemble has ended their relationship with CTDENM, the label that had represented them for barely more than a year. The news, released on November 29 via CTDENM’s official fan cafe, brings an end to a partnership that was full of promise but short-lived.
Formed by former members of the popular group LOONA—HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu (formerly Olivia Hye)—Loossemble’s story started as an ambitious attempt to redefine their own musical history. Their new debut in 2023 marked a new beginning as they left BlockBerry Creative, a label known to be involved in many infamous legal battles and management scandals in the K-pop world. The five artists sought to re-assert their artistic identities as they tried to reconnect with the fans who had supported them for years. A New Beginning Amidst Challenges
The group formed under CTDENM took on a new ambitious level. A former BlockBerry Creative employee would lead this label in utilizing the global appeal of its members as a reviving project that would revive all the latent talent they have in them. This project would be crucial for LOONA members due to their history of arguments with their former label.
The group’s name, a portmanteau of “LOONA” and “assemble,” was meant to denote unity and rebirth. Their challenge was to make sure that they honored what they had accomplished under LOONA but at the same time, forged a new, unique identity under the new banner. Fans were holding their breaths for what the quintet would do next, wondering how this quintet would fare in a highly competitive K-pop landscape.
Loossemble’s re-debut broke the mold of the typical routes that most K-pop groups take. They technically debuted in New York City on September 15, 2023, during the Loona Assemble: The US Debut Ceremony Tour. It was an event that incorporated a concert and a press conference in one, where the group could reach their audience in more ways than one. It was a clever way to capitalize on LOONA’s immense international fan base, especially in the United States.
During the event, Loossemble played their new tracks and old favorites from their LOONA days. The hybrid format was a great way to show off their versatility because it brought together nostalgia with a glimpse of what their future will be. This resonated well with their fans, reinforcing the group’s commitment to staying connected while introducing their new artistic vision.
Loossemble’s first single, Sensitive, was the basis of their new sound. Their self-titled EP dropped with the track, bringing together LOONA’s signature experimental sound and modern pop influences. This was followed by two more EPs, One of a Kind in April 2024 and TTYL in September. All these projects prove how versatile the group is and willing to change the sound without compromising their artistic vision.
Through these releases, Loossemble demonstrated their ability to explore new musical directions while honoring the creativity that had defined their work with LOONA. Their music carried an emotional depth that resonated with long-time fans while also attracting new listeners.
Reflections on a Short-Lived Partnership
Although they worked creatively and garnered the love of fans, the band’s collaboration with CTDENM came to an unexpected end. The group has not stated why, and fans continue to guess at creative differences, management, or other unspoken reasons.
This is the latest turning point in Loossemble’s career. They might have spent only a little time with CTDENM, but the platform was a great avenue to reintroduce themselves globally and lay a foundation for what they would do in future.
As fans and industry observers wait for any updates on the group’s future steps, one thing is true: Loossemble is far from over. As they have already shown much strength in overcoming challenges in their work, they will create meaningful music.
The story of Loossemble testifies to the constantly evolving nature of the K-pop industry, where change is constant and reinvention is the key. For HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu, this chapter may have closed, but their potential to shine brightly in the future remains undeniable.
