Naeun Announces Departure from Apink – What's Next for Remaining Members?
K-pop idol and actress Son Naeun has finally decided to withdraw from the group Apink after 11 years. What will happen to the group and members now? Keep reading!
On the night of April 8, Naeun eventually became a former member of the girl group Apink after her withdrawal from the team.
Naeun Pens Letter to Fans, Apink
On the same day, Naeun took to Instagram to explain her departure from the team and her true feelings as an Apink member.
"Hello. It's Son Naeun.
[...] I'm leaving Apink, which I've been with for the past 11 years. Apink is a family-like place where we have been together for a long time, so I made a hard decision after a lot of consideration and it was not an easy decision, but now I'm going to be another panda and support Apink."
The "Mr. Chu" singer also conveyed her grateful heart to Pink Panda (Apink fans) who have been with her for more than a decade, saying:
"I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made my teens and twenties the most dazzling and gave me a happy time.
I think it's a way for me to repay you by keeping the name of Apink Son Naeun in my heart and showing you a better appearance so that I don't feel ashamed of the name.
Please love Apink a lot and I will cheer for you from the bottom of my heart."
Entertainment Official Hints at Reason She Left Apink
Indeed, the news of the sudden withdrawal is considered unusual as she initially declared that she will continue her team activities as a whole group despite moving to her new agency.
In particular, Naeun found her new nest in YG Entertainment after contract expiration with Play M (hereinafter IST Entertainment) in 2021. Here, she pursued her acting career.
At that time, Son Naeun participated in the year-end fan meeting of the group. She expressed her position that she would maintain her team activities as a full member of Apink.
ALSO READ: Youtuber Reveals 'Real' Reason APINK Naeun is Unable to Promote New Album With Group
But in 2022, she was not able to participate in the 10th-anniversary album "HORN" released in February. The lack of schedule coordination between two agencies was suspected to be the reason.
In this regard, an entertainment official hinted:
"Son Naeun decided that she could no longer do Apink activities at the same time due to conflicts such as her schedule."
IST Entertainment Releases Official Statement + Plan for Apink Future Activities
IST Entertainment, Apink's agency, said on April 8:
"Apink will continue its group activities by reorganizing its team into five members, Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jung Eunji, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung, starting with the release schedule for the 11th anniversary of their debut."
In regards to Son Naeun's sudden departure, the company updated that all six members along with officials from two companies met personally to discuss the situation. After careful consideration, Naeun decided to left the group.
Although Apink and Son Naeun recently agreed to conclude the latter's activities with the group, they are determined to support each other's future in their positions.
On the other hand, the re-organized five-member team Apink will start their activities without Naeun on April 19 as they release a new fan song to commemorate its 11th debut anniversary.
READ MORE: Apink to Release Fan Song for 11th Anniversary Celebration — Will Son Naeun Participate?
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Written by Eunice Dawson
