Fourth-Gen Idol’s Agency Hit With Backlash For Unexpected Suspension Of One Member
On May 16, C9 Entertainment suddenly released an official statement regarding EPEX’s Keum Dong Hyun.

Hello, this is C9 Entertainment. This is a notice regarding EPEX member KEUM. Due to KEUM’s personal reasons, his activities will be suspended until related matters are settled. EPEX will be promoting as a 7-member group starting today. We kindly ask for the understanding of all fans.
Fans were taken aback by the unexpected announcement and felt the agency needed to reveal more details regarding this decision.

Others wondered if there was a possibility that he would be joining an upcoming survival program.

In particular, Korean fans could not hide their anger towards the agency.
생각하고 일하랬더니 구린생각만하네
당장 내일팬싸 어떻게 넘긴다해도
다음주 대만 콘서트는 어쩔건데?
컴백한다고 뿌리던 떡밥들에 좋아죽고
활동마다 응원하고 투자한 우리는 걍 무시하는거임?
ㅂㅇㅈㅍㄹㄴ 나가서 뭘 득볼 수 있는데 지금?
티저떴을때 우리 애 얼굴 있으면 그날로 넌 죽는다 https://t.co/9zCNaxbn5X— 요맘때 (@athistimeofepex) May 16, 2025
We told them to think while working, but they could only think of stupid things. Even if you can somehow get over the fan sign event tomorrow, what will you do about the Taiwan concert next week? Are you ignoring the fans who support and invest in comebacks? Is there something that you can get out of going on ‘Boys Plant’? I will kill the agency if I see his face on the show teaser.
당장 내일이 팬싸인데 오늘 공지를 올린다고?
씨나인 너네 싸이코야? https://t.co/axFcix84tx— 🍫 (@Choco514_) May 16, 2025
You’re really posting this notice when the fan sign event is literally tomorrow? Are you guys psychopaths?
보플 나가면 난 C9 죽일 거야.. https://t.co/DMYQ1WRX97
— 해초아민 ♡ (@haejjoamin) May 16, 2025
If he appears on ‘Boys Planet’, I am coming for you, C9.
활중이라는거야 탈퇴라는거야ㅅㅂ https://t.co/vR9fxBsuAp
— 베가✰ (@yw0tt) May 16, 2025
Are you saying he’s halting activities or leaving the group…f*ck.
Previously, Keum participated in Mnet’s Produce X 101 and was eliminated unfairly after the vote manipulation scandal revealed that his actual rank was number eight, meaning he should have debuted with X1.