WINNER held a live stream for the first time since Nam Tae Hyun's departure was officially announced. On Dec. 15, Thursday, the boy band interacted with fans via public broadcast, which was their first public activity with only four members; Seungyoon, Mino, Seunghoon, and Jinwoo.
The live stream was part of YG Entertainment's official announcement regarding WINNER's comeback plans. The label revealed that WINNER and iKON are working on new music and will be making their comeback early next year. WINNER's last release was the mini-album, "Exit: E," which included tracks like "Baby Baby" and "Sentimental."
"WINNER and iKON are preparing new albums with goals for release early next year," the agency said in a statement obtained by All KPop. "It'll be after Akdong Musician's comeback on January 3, but the exact release date, order, album format, and broadcast/event schedules are not yet confirmed."
Seungyoon, Mino, Seunghoon, and Jinwoo wanted to share this exciting news with the fans and started a live broadcast to make the announcement themselves. The group also hinted the possibility of a weekly stream, TV appearances and other stints that are lined up before their big comeback.
The live stream ended with a promise of doing more for the fans, which could mean that the fans will be treated to surprise gift before their next album. WINNER was originally scheduled to release their new album before the end of this year but was cancelled after Nam's mental health condition worsened.
On Nov. 25, YG Entertainment announced that they will not be renewing Nam's contract and he will officially be leaving WINNER, Soompi reported. The label said that it would be difficult for him to carry on as a member of the group due to his health issues and WINNER will remain a four-member group.
Check out WINNER's live-stream below: