Beenzino Leaves Illionaire Records... No Statement from Agency

Beenzino "I Only Have the Desire to Improve"

Rapper Beenzino announced that he will be leaving Illionaire Records, the agency he has been with for 9 years. Photo by Beenzino Official Website Capture.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Rapper Beenzino announced that he will leave Illionaire Records, the agency he has been with for 9 years.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Beenzino revealed through his Instagram live broadcast, "It is true that the final discussions with Illionaire Records have taken place."

However, he added, "Rather than a typical agency-artist relationship, it is a free relationship that cannot be explained in words. That’s why I wanted to handle the (separation) differently," and said, "One regret is that the story we have not yet finalized was revealed early, which makes me sad."

Beenzino explained the reason for leaving the agency, saying, "I believe that attempts and decisions to step out of comfortable places in human relationships, work, and my relationship with art are important," and "I only have the desire to grow further, whether that means a completely new environment or anything else."

At the same time, he stated, "There is a reason I stayed at Illionaire Records for 9 years. It is a place that is free, respectful, and well-managed. However, recently, what I hope for is to meet new people and musical colleagues in life."

Illionaire Records is a hip-hop label co-founded by Dok2 and The Quiett as co-CEOs in January 2011, and Beenzino joined in June of that year.

Regarding this, Illionaire Records has not yet released an official statement. If the exclusive contract termination is true, Beenzino will be ending his approximately 9-year journey with Illionaire.

Meanwhile, Beenzino released the single "Blurry" last October. Currently, he is active as a rapper and art director at iAB Studio, and has been in a relationship for 5 years with German fashion model Stephanie Michova.