After initial rumors, record label Pledis Entertainment has confirmed Lee Jooyeon's "graduation" from popular K-pop girl group After School.

On Wednesday, Pledis Entertainment confirmed Jooyeon's departure from After School after initially denying the rumors. In addition, Jooyeon herself posted a letter written to fans on After School's official fan website shortly after the announcement.

"Hello, this is Jooyeon," wrote the 27-year-old singer. "I don't know what to say and how to say it."

"I have graduated After School and I'm taking on a new challenge," the statement continued.

"I apologize to those who are very shocked by this news, I want to say something first. It has been six years since I met you with After School. When I reflect, I think that there were many times when I laughed and many times when I cried. In one step, I was able to grow more and become strong. This new challenge makes my [heart] flutter [in anticipation], but I'm also afraid."

"Although I will not be able to be with my members, After School, and the beloved fans, I don't think of this as a farewell that lasts forever," she concluded.

"To those who gave me this unforgettable time as a gift...I will carve each and every one of you on my heart and remember you forever. I will show you a more developed image and I will make sure not to disappoint those who wait for me. I will show you a good image so please wait for me. Thank you."

On the same day, Jooyeon posted a photo on Instagram of what appears to be all the members of After School celebrating the New Year together.

"Eating room service food in China on New Year's with the members. Happy, happy New Year," captioned Jooyeon.

According to allkpop, Jooyeon will next be focusing on a project called "Man From Earth," a theatrical reinterpretation of the Korean movie by the same name.