The Wind Shin Jaewon Stuns WHIZ as Leader Abruptly Quits — Details Inside

By Cassidy Jones Dec 06, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Shin Jaewon, leader of the rookie boy group The Wind, has parted ways with the group a mere seven months after their debut.

WithUs Entertainment, the agency representing The Wind, released an official statement announcing Shin Jaewon's departure. The agency expressed their sincerest apologies to devoted fans, known as WIZ, for delivering such unfortunate news and thanked them for their ongoing support.

A Personal Decision Leads to Departure

According to the statement, Shin Jaewon cited personal reasons for his departure, effective as of December 6, 2023. In light of this development, The Wind's future endeavors will proceed with the remaining six members.

WithUs Entertainment assured fans that they are committed to supporting The Wind in their upcoming activities, emphasizing a fresh start for the group. They urged fans to continue showing love and encouragement to the six remaining members as they embark on a new chapter, promising to dedicate their best efforts to ensure the group's success.

A Call for Fan Support Amidst Sadness

The departure of Shin Jaewon adds a somber note to The Wind's journey, especially considering the recent release of their Season's Greetings video featuring the departing leader. Despite this unexpected change, WithUs Entertainment expressed gratitude for the fans' understanding and apologized for any surprise or disappointment caused by the sudden announcement.

WithUs Entertainment announces the departure of The Wind's leader and main vocal Shin Jaewon due to personal circumstances.

The group will continue as a 6-member boy group.#THE_WIND #신재원 #JAEWON https://t.co/mSjiU50D2G
— Oppa Is Life (@theoppaislife) December 6, 2023

this is crazy jaewon is The Wind leader and main vocal that means a lot of things need to be filled in by the members. by doing this you literally pressuring the members to filled in for jaewon as a main vocal and the leader. you are not doing a smart decision @withus_audition
— ً (@chxnwhiz) December 6, 2023

As a quick recap, The Wind made their debut in May 2023 with the mini-album "Beginning: The Wind Page" and followed up with their first single album, "The Wind: Summer Vacation," in August 2023. The news of Shin Jaewon's departure comes as a blow to fans who had recently enjoyed the group's Season's Greetings video, released just one week prior.