POW Member Dongyeon Pauses Activities After Father's Death

On June 13, 2026, GRID Entertainment announced that POW’s Dong Yeon would suspend all scheduled activities and fan communication following the death of his father. The agency said the father passed away in the early hours of that morning after a prolonged illness.

GRID’s five‑member boy band, formed in 2023, debuted on October 11 of the same year. The lineup—Yorch, Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dong Yeon, and Hong—has been active in recent releases and promotional appearances, with Dong Yeon serving as a key performer.

In the statement released on the day of the death, GRID said Dong Yeon is currently with his family at a funeral hall, keeping vigil for the deceased. The company added that, for the time being, he will not carry out any scheduled performances, appearances, or fan‑interaction activities. GRID will issue a separate announcement regarding his return once a decision has been made.

The news was posted on GRID Entertainment’s official channels and reported by K‑pop outlets such as Allkpop, Soompi, and Chosun. All sources confirm the same details: the father’s death, the agency’s decision to pause Dong Yeon’s activities, and the absence of a specified return date.

In the Korean entertainment industry, it is common for agencies to suspend a member’s public schedule when a close family member passes away. The practice allows the artist to mourn privately and attend funeral rites without the pressures of public performance. Similar pauses have occurred with other K‑pop acts, such as a temporary withdrawal of a member of a leading boy band after a parent’s death.

No further information has been released about the funeral arrangements or the length of Dong Yeon’s hiatus. GRID’s statement emphasized the need for privacy during this period and requested fans to respect the family’s wishes.

The pause will affect POW’s upcoming promotional plans. The group had been preparing for a series of comeback activities scheduled for late June and early July, including a music‑video shoot and a fan‑meeting event. With Dong Yeon’s absence, the agency has not yet announced whether the group will proceed with a reduced lineup or postpone the projects.

GRID Entertainment’s spokesperson reiterated that the decision was made in consultation with Dong Yeon and his family. The agency also expressed gratitude for the support of fans during this difficult time.

As of now, the only confirmed information is the death of Dong Yeon’s father, the temporary halt of his activities, and the agency’s promise to provide a follow‑up announcement when a return date is established. No speculation about the impact on the group’s future releases or on the agency’s broader strategy has been reported.

The situation underscores the personal challenges that can arise for artists in the high‑profile K‑pop industry. While the public often sees polished performances, the industry routinely accommodates personal bereavements through temporary suspensions of activity.

Fans and industry observers will await GRID Entertainment’s next communication for details on Dong Yeon’s return and any adjustments to POW’s upcoming schedule.