“Forgotten” Group’s Tearful First Win After Leaving Company Sparks Deep Emotions

In 2024, the emphasis on live vocals created a massive debate, focusing on HYBE for supposedly “ruining” K-Pop.

Korean Netizens Strongly Voice Out That “HYBE Is Destroying K-Pop”

Amid the criticism of HYBE idol’s vocal skills, netizens brought up another group under the company, whom many felt had been “forgotten.”

While some groups originally under the label acquired by HYBE have since disbanded, Pledis Entertainment‘s then-groups SEVENTEEN and fromis_9 had not. Fromis_9 debuted in 2018 following the survival show Idol School and had their management transferred to Pledis Entertainment in 2021.

fromis_9 at debut | Mnet

After their initial releases, fromis_9 entered periods of inactivity, which sparked complaints from fans over the group’s treatment. The group eventually returned in August 2024 with their fifth single album Supersonic, and after releasing a single in December of that year, departed from the agency.

Five members of the group transferred to another label together, and received permission to use the group name in future activities. On June 25, this new line-up of fromis_9 released “Like You Better.”

For the July 4 edition of Music Bank, fromis_9 were nominated for first place alongside aespa’s “Dirty Work.” With a close score gap, fromis_9 took the win, their first for the track and with their new line-up.

During their acceptance speech, fromis_9 were extremely emotional, with each of the members crying on stage.

🏆 fromis_9 (@realfromis_9) took first place on this week's Music Bank, claiming the 1st win for “LIKE YOU BETTER” – Congratulations! 🎉#LIKEYOUBETTER1stWin #LIKE_YOU_BETTER1stWin#fromis_9_14thWin #프로미스나인 #fromis_9
(250704) pic.twitter.com/PKtk82vSSY

— KPOP Music Show Analysis (@KshowAnalysis) July 4, 2025

During their encore, the group also expressed their thanks again, bowing to fans present. Fans online also shared their feelings over the win, and are thrilled for fromis_9’s continued success.

[ADMIN NOTE] ☘️

fromis_9 after the #LIKE_YOU_BETTER encore cried, bowed to fans, and even thanked Music Bank staff!

This genuine kindness and dedication is what makes me so proud to be a flover.

I will stay with these girls #From_Our_20s until I’m 100! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/YZhBcJ4ntE

— FROMISTREAM ☘️ (@fromistream) July 4, 2025

We haven't seen all of the girls cry this hard for a win since Talk&Talk… you've all worked hard, babies 🍀🥹

Let's make sure it's only flowery roads from here on#Like_You_Better_1stwin#fromis_9_14thwin https://t.co/YKGAyz7cDp

— 0514base ✈️ (@0514base) July 4, 2025

Every time we get a music show win I always look back to WE GO era where we fought hard to get that first win and failing. I never saw flovertwt so defeated until that time and fast forward to today we are now celebrating our girls' 14th win 😭 https://t.co/HRGho8wIco

— Kusumi🍯🐧🦆🐰 🐻‍❄🍀 LIKES YOU BETTER (@KusumiNoOkami) July 4, 2025

Congratulations to fromis_9!