SMAP Announce Disbandment

Veteran boyband SMAP have announced they are to disband on December 31st after 25 years together.

The announcement comes eight months after rumors about a possible split first broke. SMAP's management agency Johnny & Associates has confirmed that the band had previously rejected a suggestion to go on hiatus. As things stand, the five members will remain with the agency as solo artists.

It is currently unknown what SMAP's plans are for their final few months together, nor is it known what will become of their popular variety show "SMAP×SMAP".