On February 28, it was announced that Rocky has officially left ASTRO and the group's label Fantagio.

On this day, Fantagio released an official statement explaining that the idol has decided not to renew his contract with the label and decided to depart from the group. According to the label, "After a deep conversation with Rocky, who has been with us for the past seven years with ASTRO, we have decided to end his activities as an ASTRO member. We express our gratitude toward Rocky who has done his best as an ASTRO member and support for his future endeavors."

Rocky also wrote a letter to fans sharing that he has decided not to continue with ASTRO and Fantagio. He wrote, "I will be leaving Fantagio, who I have been with for 14 years and will end my activities with ASTRO. The time promoting as ASTRO's Rocky was very precious to me. My members, who have been with me during those times and especially AROHAs, my biggest strengths, I thank you all sincerely."

Many Korean netizens were surprised by the sudden news but many fans explain they had seen this coming. They commented, "This is upsetting," "I just hope that Rocky and ASTRO the best for their own future activities," "I think it was his decision to leave so I'm just going to be happy for him," "Heol," "I think this was expected," "There was a lot of things he wanted to do, I hope he gets to do them now," "I felt like he would leave when the contract expired," "I hope ASTRO and Rocky do well in the future," "I think this was the best choice for both ASTRO and Rocky," and "I just wish him the best."