K-Pop fans are buzzing with questions after former ASTRO member Rocky’s sudden withdrawal from the musical “Dream High 3” sparked a direct contradiction between his agency and the production company. What initially seemed like a straightforward departure has quickly become a point of contention, leaving fans seeking clarity.
Earlier, on July 29th, the production company ARTONE Company, in charge of the musical Dream High 3, announced via their official account, “Due to changes in the theater schedule, we regret to inform you that Rocky will unfortunately no longer be able to participate in this production.”
Along with the news of his withdrawal, the production company apologized to the audience ahead of the opening performance on August 8 and explained, “For the performances from August 8 to August 23, the role of Jason will be performed by Yu Kwon.”
Agency Contradicts Production Company’s Claim
뮤지컬 〈드림하이 시즌3 : 리부트〉제이슨 배우 배역 변경 안내
뮤지컬 〈드림하이 시즌3 : 리부트〉 제작사 입니다.
극장 일정 변경 으로 인해
아쉽게도 이번 공연에 ROCKY 배우님이 함께하지 못하게 되었습니다.공연 개막을 앞둔 시점에
드림하이3를 기다려주시는 관객 여러분과 라키 배우… pic.twitter.com/F5howJs4Jh— DREAM HIGHT 3 REBOOT (@ateuwon88932) July 29, 2026
However, following the announcement, former ASTRO member Rocky’s agency, WONIJIN Entertainment, issued an official statement saying, “Rocky had been continuously discussing with the production company and preparing to participate in this performance. However, due to the production company’s internal circumstances, and not due to scheduling issues, he will no longer be able to appear in the show.”
The agency added, “We sincerely apologize to the fans must have been surprised by the sudden and incorrect news reported through media articles. We ask for the deep understanding of the fans who have been supporting him.”
ARTONE Company’s Troubled History
[공지] “스케줄 문제 아냐, 제작사 사정 때문”
라키, 뮤지컬 하차…#라키 #ROCKY#하모 #HAMO#드림하이 #뮤지컬 pic.twitter.com/6zSBDvxJrA— WONIJIN OFFICIAL (@wonijin_ent) July 29, 2026
This directly contradicts the production company’s statement announced on the same day. Originally, the Dream High 3 performances were scheduled to run from July 18 to September 27 at the COEX Artium Woori Bank Hall. However, a month before opening, the schedule was changed, and the show will now run from August 8 to October 18 at the Kwanglim Arts Center BBCH Hall. This significant shift in both venue and dates has undoubtedly caused considerable logistical challenges, though WONIJIN Entertainment asserts this was not the root cause for Rocky’s departure.
This isn’t the first time that ARTONE Company has been called out by an idol for their alleged lies. Previously, GOT7‘s Youngjae also accused them of lying over unpaid appearance fees, adding another layer to the current controversy and raising concerns among fans about the production company’s practices.
As fans await further clarification, the conflicting statements leave much to speculate about the true reasons behind Rocky’s sudden exit from “Dream High 3.” The situation highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls artists can face in the entertainment industry.
