AceShowbiz - Zico is officially leaving Block B. The South Korean rapper has decided not to renew his exclusive contract with the group's agency Seven Seasons to focus on his solo career. He had been signed to the agency for 5 years and spent 7 years with Block B.

Confirming Zico's departure from the company as well as from the group, Seven Seasons releases a statement which reads, "We and Zico have ultimately agreed to the end of his exclusive contract of the past five years. The other six Block B members aside from Zico have decided to renew their contracts with us, with all signing completed."

The remaining members of Block B, Taeil, B-Bomb, Jaehyo, U-Kwon, Park Kyung and P.O, will continue together as a six-piece group, though they will be focusing on individual and unit promotions due to their different enlistment dates.

"As the time for the members to enlist is approaching, individual and unit activities will take precedence since their enlistment periods differ," the agency continues to explain in the statement. "As for Block B's future activities, we are currently discussing it from many angles with all seven members."

The agency has nothing but good words for the departing member, wishing Zico the best of luck in his future endeavors. "We express our gratitude towards Zico who gave it his all not only as Block B's leader, but also as a producer, and we wish him the best of luck on his new start. We will continue to cheer him on from here on out," the agency states.

Zico himself has not addressed his departure from Block B and Seven Seasons. It is reported that the 26-year-old rapper/songwriter will likely set up a one-man agency, but nothing has been confirmed yet. He is expected to make his solo comeback in 2019.