Icon, Comeback on February 6... Reorganized as a '6-Member Group' Following B.I's Departure

Idol group iKON third mini-album video teaser / Photo by YG Entertainment

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Idol group iKON will make a comeback as a six-member group on February 6.

YG Entertainment released a teaser video for iKON's third mini-album on their official blog at 9 a.m. on the 21st.

The video features narration by member Bobby. Bobby completed the narration by using the titles from the previous album series 'NEW KIDS'?'BEGIN', 'RETURN', 'CONTINUE', and 'FINAL'.

Bobby continued the monologue, saying, "Leaving all distrust behind, I return to the place where I started. I followed my path through every crisis, and finally, I stand here."

He added, "I define myself as who I am, and the reason for every choice is me. There is no reason for impossibility. I decide everything."

YG explained, "Through the 'NEW KIDS' album series, iKON has grown, and now they express their ambition to find their identity, make their own decisions, and move forward."

Meanwhile, iKON restructured as a six-member group after leader B.I (real name Kim Han-bin) announced his withdrawal in June last year amid allegations of drug purchase.

At that time, YG Entertainment issued an official statement saying, "We bow our heads and apologize to everyone disappointed by the Kim Han-bin issue," and added, "Kim Han-bin feels a heavy sense of responsibility for the repercussions of this matter, and we have also taken it seriously, deciding on his withdrawal from the team and termination of his exclusive contract."