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- DVN Company

truth behind DIVINE's departure from Excel Entertainment

The K-pop girl group DIVINE, consisting of members Reewon, Soa, Miko, Seol, Jina, Chunja, and Bora, shocked fans and the industry alike when news broke of their departure from Excel Entertainment on February 15, 2021. Behind the scenes, however, the truth was far more troubling.

Despite their rising success and growing international fanbase, DIVINE had not been paid by Excel Entertainment since their debut. In addition to unpaid earnings, the members endured excessive overwork and mistreatment, with restrictions placed on their artistic growth. The label enforced a strict policy of no more than one comeback per yearand refused to support the release of a full studio album, severely limiting the group's creative output and visibility.

The situation became untenable as fans eagerly anticipated more from the group while the members themselves grew frustrated with the company's neglect. At the beginning of February 2021, the seven members took legal action, initiating procedures to terminate their contracts.

On March 22, 2021, after a lengthy and emotional legal battle, the members of DIVINE won their lawsuit and were officially freed from their contracts with Excel Entertainment.

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the founding of DVN Company

On March 22, 2021, DIVINE not only won their legal battle against Excel Entertainment but also established their own agency, DVN Company (DVN컴퍼니), signaling a new era of autonomy and creativity for the group.

DVN Company was founded for and by DIVINE as a response to their experience in the industry. In mid-February 2021, news of their legal dispute became public, and fans rallied behind the group. With support from professionals and legal advisors, the members were empowered to create a structure that prioritized their values and long-term goals.

A representative from DVN Company explained:

"The girls decided to go in the direction of establishing their own agency after considering every possible angle in terms of what agency structure would best suit them for long-term activities. Their decision was also heavily influenced by the fact that they wanted to return to their fans, who had waited for a long time, as quickly as possible and do what they really wanted to in terms of music, but also their identity."

Six members : Reewon, Soa, Miko, Seol, Jina, and Chunja, signed contracts covering both group and solo activities under the new agency. Member Bora, while remaining part of DIVINE and a co-founder of DVN, chose to return to SM Entertainment, her original agency from 2012 to early 2018, to pursue her solo career, making her one of the rare artists with dual affiliations. This strategic decision allows her to pursue personal artistic goals while continuing her commitment to the group's future.

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expansion into acting and business partnerships

DVN's ambition didn't stop at music. Just a few weeks after its founding, the agency began expanding into acting talent.

On May 12, 2021, actors Wi Ha-joon, Go Youn-jung, Kim Yoo-jung, Woo Do-hwan, and Kim Sung-cheol all signed with DVN Company after leaving Excel Entertainment following the termination of their contracts. Their arrival marked a significant moment for the young label, affirming its reputation as a trustworthy and artist-friendly alternative in the industry.

In a landmark business move, SM Entertainment acquired a majority stake in DVN Company in May 2021, officially making SM the label's parent company. This partnership allowed DVN to retain its independence while gaining the resources and global infrastructure of one of the most powerful entertainment conglomerates in South Korea.

Further strengthening its acting division, DVN announced on February 2, 2022, that rising actor Moon Sang-min had signed an exclusive contract with the company.

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current roster of DVN Company

Groups
DIVINE (2021–)
VIGARA (2021–)
AURIA (2023–)

Soloists
Reewon (2021–)
Seol (2025–)

Actors
Choi Soa (2021–)
Wi Ha-joon (2021–)
Go Youn-jung (2021–)
Kim Yoo-jung (2021–)
Woo Do-hwan (2021–)
Kim Sung-cheol (2021–)
Moon Sang-min (2022–)

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DVN Company - Overview

Native Name: DVN컴퍼니
Type: Private
Industry: Entertainment
Genres: K-pop, R&B, Dance-pop
Founded: March 22, 2021
Founder: DIVINE
Headquarters: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Key People:
• Hwang Doyeon (CEO)
• Lee Jinsik (Co-founder)
• DIVINE (Co-founders)
Parent Company: SM Entertainment

From a dream to a movement, DIVINE's transformation from a mismanaged group into the driving force behind one of the most artist-centric labels in Korea is nothing short of revolutionary. With their vision, talent, and a powerful support system, DVN Company is reshaping the entertainment landscape, one bold step at a time.