All-Filipino boy group HORI7ON has formally voided its exclusive management contracts with South Korean label MLD Entertainment and Philippine media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation, citing unrectified material violations of their agreement.
Korean law firm Atorni Law, representing members Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus, announced the legal termination on September 4.
The group confirmed that the contracts—initially executed on March 10, 2023—were officially rescinded effective August 13.
Contractual Dispute Focuses on MLD Entertainment
While both MLD Entertainment and ABS-CBN are jointly designated as the group’s official “Management Agency” under the original agreements, HORI7ON clarified that the underlying operational dispute stems primarily from MLD Entertainment’s performance.
Formal legal notices detailing the termination were served to both companies. According to HORI7ON, a cure notice outlining the specific contractual grievances was initially dispatched to MLD Entertainment on July 13. The contract granted MLD a mandatory 14-day window to address and rectify the cited issues.
“The letter was received, and the fourteen days expired without a reply,” the group said.
Classifying the infractions as “serious,” the members noted that the management agency failed to remedy or respond to the grievances within the stipulated timeframe.
“We could not go on as we were,” the members said.
Following MLD’s inaction, a subsequent formal notice of termination was delivered, which also went unanswered.
Legal counsel confirmed that no entity or corporate body retains the authority to represent HORI7ON, book or cancel commercial engagements, or include the members in any agency roster without explicit consent.
“What follows now is ours to decide,” they said.
Future Operations and Commitment to Fans
HORI7ON was formed in early 2023 through Dream Maker, a joint reality survival project co-produced by ABS-CBN and MLD Entertainment. The seven-member ensemble subsequently made its official debut in South Korea in July 2023 with the full-length album Friend-Ship.
Despite severing management ties, HORI7ON affirmed that it will continue its music career and entertainment activities in the Philippines independently.
Addressing their global fanbase, known as Anchors, the members expressed regret over the legal fallout while reassuring fans that the group has not disbanded.
“We held on longer than we should have, because we did not want to disappoint you,” the members said.
“This chapter is closing, but we are not going anywhere,” they said. “Thank you for being part of this journey and sailing along the tides with us. We would love to see you again beyond the horizon.”