f(x) will continue on as a quartet, SM Entertainment announced on August 7.

After months of speculation regarding Choi Sulli's future as a member of f(x), SM Entertainment confirmed the K-pop idol's departure from the girl group. f(x) will continue on with the four remaining members who are said to be preparing for a comeback, while Sulli intends to focus on her career as an actress.

Prior to the announcement, Sulli had taken a break from f(x) activities and met with SM Entertainment to discuss her future career goals.

Korean media outlets announced Sulli's departure from f(x) as early as June.

On August 7, AllKpop reported that SM released a short statement regarding the news.

"After negotiating with Sulli," said the notice, "who is currently taking a break, about her future activities, we have decided to respect her wishes, and she'll be leaving f(x) and focusing on her acting."

Sulli initially took an absence from f(x)'s "Red Light" promotional activities in 2014, following rumors relating to her relationship with Dynamic Duo rapper Choiza (Choi Jae Ho). She returned to the Korean entertainment scene to promote her acting projects, but Sulli's absence affected f(x) activities. The group's last album, "Red Light" was released in July 2014 and the other members of f(x) - Krystal, Amber, Luna, and Victoria - have focused on their solo careers in the meantime.

Sulli's departure from f(x) is the second high profile SM Entertainment related news in the past week. Earlier this week, SM Entertainment and former Girls' Generation Jessica Jung announced the end of their business relationship.

Prior to debuting as a member of f(x) in 2009, Sulli was a child actor and appeared in South Korean dramas and films. She has since acted in multiple dramas and movies, including "To The Beautiful You" and "Fashion King."

f(x) is expected to put out a new release in South Korea sometime this fall.

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