THESE 5 K-pop Group Member Departures Left Fanbases Emotionally Scarred
[TW: Mentions of school violence, drugs, discrimination]
While K-pop is mostly a fun experience for anyone, it doesn't hurt less when a member leaves the group. Departures can be torture for any fan, including the idol's group and everyone around them.
Most of the time, the reason for these departures are due to company matters, the artist's own will, or an unexpected situation that can lead to removal.
Here are 5 heartbreaking group member departures that fans aren't over with
1. Wonho (MONSTA X)
On October 31, 2019, Starship Entertainment announced Wonho's departure from MONSTA X and the agency. The decision to leave came from Wonho's own judgment, to avoid causing trouble to the group. Following their announcement, Starship also declared to take legal action to those who spread rumors about Wonho.
On November 1, the agency revealed that Wonho's exclusive contract has been officially terminated, due to the investigation's heat.
Dispatch also issued a report about Wonho's affiliation with Jung Dae Eun, and an individual referred as "Jo." The report contained a series of transcriptions which involved marijuana use and the authorities' interview of the suspects.
On March 14, 2020, Wonho was cleared of all charges regarding the allegations of marijuana use.
2. Tao (EXO)
Former EXO member Tao's departure from the group shocked many EXO-Ls. On April 24, 2015, Tao's father stated that the idol agreed to leave EXO because of health complications.
However, in August 2015, Tao filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his exclusive contract. He was the third EXO member to file a lawsuit on SM following Luhan and Kris, due to reasons such as discrimination, unfair contract terms, as well as unreasonable profit distribution.
After a legal battle with SM Entertainment, the Korean court ruled in favor of the agency, validating the three Chinese artists' contracts until 2022. Even though this decision was settled, the Chinese members' promotions with EXO were over.
3. Soojin ((G)I-DLE)
On March 4, 2021 Cube Entertainment halted Soojin's group activities with (G)I-DLE. With rumors of Soojin being involved in school violence, the idol went on an indefinite hiatus.
Following its news on March 18, 2021, Cube responded to the allegations, denying the additional claims made by the accuser. Eventually, Cube Entertainment announced that Soojin will be leaving (G)I-DLE and the company on August 14, 2021.
4. B.I (iKON)
On June 12, 2019, Dispatch revealed a report that B.I was accused of attempting drug purchase, which involved LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and marijuana in 2016.
In the report, an individual referred to as "A" was arrested for drug dealing, leading to a reveal of the KakaoTalk conversation between "A" and B.I that occurred in 2016. The conversation suggested that B.I was attempting to obtain drugs.
On August 2016, "A" testified that the LSD was delivered in front of iKON's dormitory (Mapo District) on May 3, 2016. The authorities did not contact nor summon B.I for inspections. It was explained by the police that "A" confirmed B.I's purchase attempt, but didn't acquire any drugs for him.
Following the controversial report, B.I has finally confirmed his departure from iKON, trailed by YG's announcement on June 12, 2019.
5. Jessica (SNSD)
On September 30, 2014 KST, rumors of Jessica leaving SNSD began to circulate the internet and was later confirmed by SM Entertainment that the group would continue with eight members.
On October 1, 2014, Jessica confirmed that she was told to leave SM Entertainment. She also expressed her sadness in the announcement, along with her situation.
The singer also explained that her plan of establishing her own fashion company Blanc and Eclare (formerly known as BLANC) was accepted by SM and SNSD members. However, Jessica's conflict with SM and SNSD began after Blanc and Eclare's launching, causing schedule differences.
Jessica stated members have changed their viewpoints on her business, and told her to quit the business or leave the group. SM Entertainment then confirmed her dismissal from SNSD on August 6, 2015.
Do you have any other idols with unexpected withdrawals from their groups? Let us know in the comments below.
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