Ong Seong Wu Stays Loyal to Fantagio After 7-Year Journey

Seven years of partnership. That's how long Ong Seong Wu has called Fantagio home. On February 9, 2026, the agency officially announced the actor's contract renewal, cementing a relationship that began when he was still finding his footing as a Wanna One member.

Choosing Trust Over Size

"After in-depth discussions, we have renewed our contract with actor Ong Seong Wu based on a foundation of trust and confidence," Fantagio stated. The company promised "unsparing support" for his diverse activities moving forward.

This decision comes at a time when Korea's entertainment industry is experiencing massive consolidation. Major agencies are acquiring smaller competitors, and global expansion demands are reshaping how talent chooses representation. Yet Ong Seong Wu opted to stay put.

Fantagio isn't a Big 4 powerhouse. The mid-tier agency houses ASTRO members like Cha Eun Woo and Moon Bin, alongside established actors like Park Bo Gum and Seo In Guk. What it lacks in scale, it makes up for in personalized artist management—a quality that's becoming increasingly rare in an industry obsessed with efficiency and global reach.

The Idol-to-Actor Playbook

Ong Seong Wu's trajectory offers a masterclass in career transition. After Wanna One disbanded in 2018, he could have leveraged his massive fanbase for quick commercial success. Instead, he chose the harder path: proving himself as a serious actor.

His roles in "At Eighteen" and "The King: Eternal Monarch" demonstrated range beyond his idol persona. More importantly, they showed international audiences that K-drama's appeal extends beyond traditional leading men. His global fanbase, cultivated during his Wanna One days, has become a bridge for Korean content reaching new markets.

Industry observers note that successful idol-to-actor transitions require more than just popularity. "It's about finding the right projects and having an agency that understands your long-term vision," explains one entertainment executive. "Ong Seong Wu seems to have found that balance."

The Loyalty Question in Modern Entertainment

In an era where artists frequently switch agencies chasing bigger deals or broader platforms, Ong Seong Wu's renewal raises interesting questions. Does loyalty still matter in entertainment? Or is this simply smart business—staying with a team that understands your brand?

The answer likely lies somewhere between sentiment and strategy. Fantagio's track record with actor development, combined with their understanding of Ong Seong Wu's unique position as both former idol and serious actor, may offer advantages that larger agencies can't match despite their resources.