Korean idols ZE:A have signed with a Japanese entertainment company to take charge of their career in Japan, according to their local agency Star Empire Entertainment on Thursday.

Star Empire announced in a press release that the boys signed a contract with IMX, who also manages actor Lee Min-ho, to officially handle and support their activities in Japan.

IMX, a major talent agency in Japan, started managing the careers of Korean celebrities in 2004 including top Korean star Bae Yong-joon as well as successfully launching the careers of actors Ahn Jae-wook, So Ji-sub and Son Ye-jin in the country.

An official from IMX explained, "We wanted to push forward ZE:A’s activities in Japan because each member has shown potential even before making their debut.”

He added that the boy band has unlimited possibilities since they have already accumulated about 7,000 fans for their official fan club which opened in June.

ZE:A, short for Children of the Empire in Korean, made their debut in January with the mini-album "Nativity." They released follow up record in April titled "Leap for Detonation."

The group first visited Japan in March for "SEOUL TRAIN," a monthly showcase that introduces K-pop artists to the local fans, and a total of 5,000 people attended their fan meetings held in Yokohama and Osaka last month.

They are currently focusing on their music careers in Korea, promoting their third single album "Level Up."

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>