Kang Daniel set to return with new album under new agency

Seen is a teaser image of Kang Daniel's new album "ACT," which will be released this month. Courtesy of ARA

Singer Kang Daniel will be making a comeback with a new album titled “ACT” under a new agency, after closing his own label, Konnect Entertainment, in June.

The singer’s current agency, ARA, unveiled a trailer for his upcoming fifth mini-album, Friday, announcing its release this month. Kang released his fourth min-album, “REALIEZ,” last June.

“Kang’s fifth mini-album, 'ACT,' holds special significance. It is being released shortly after his fifth anniversary as a solo artist and marks his first project under his new agency, ARA,” the agency stated in the release.

“The album also embodies his desire to break the long hiatus and reconnect with fans quickly.”

Last May, Kang filed a lawsuit against the major shareholder of Konnect Entertainment, the agency he founded in 2019 and where he served as CEO. He alleged that the shareholder had forged his signature and used the company’s seal to finalize a 10 billion won ($7.5 million) advance distribution contract without his knowledge.

He also revealed that he had discovered the shareholder had taken at least 2 billion won from the company’s account, transferring it to an overseas account or recording it as business expenses without any legal procedures.

Following the lawsuit, he closed down the label, letting go of its employees and artists – Chancellor, Yuju, and a dance group called WE DEM BOYZ.

"The journey with Konnect, which has been my support and taught me responsibility over the past five years, has come to an end. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped build Konnect through its ups and downs. I will not forget it," Kang said in his announcement of the closure.

“While it’s regrettable and sad to end this chapter with disappointing news, I will strive to persevere quietly and diligently, as I always have. I will use this time to reflect and work toward a better future.”

About a month later, he signed up with the new agency, ARA, which was founded by an official who previously worked at YG, Big Hit, and Konnect.

"We deeply value all our fans’ hearts at this new starting point,” the new agency said in the release. “We will provide full support for the artist to focus on his upcoming activities from the moment he joined us, and above all, we will prioritize connecting with fans. We ask for your warm attention and enthusiastic support."