Many girls in girl groups are opting to leave their singing careers for other opportunities in the entertainment industry. It's not a previously unwitnessed phenomenon, but it is a much more common occurrence today than even a few years ago.

Star Empire announced on January 29th that Nine Muses member Lee Sem and Eunji are leaving Nine Muses to pursue different avenues in the entertainment industry, saying, "We have decided to support their decision to pursue different career paths from Nine Muses. They will still be managed by Star Empire but as solo acts only from now on."

Lee Sem and Eunji were central members that aided Nine Muses' success. Lee Sem placed first on the 2008 Asia Pacific Supermodel Contest, and Eunji was first brought into the public's view in 2006 through KBS' "Survival Star Audition". Their experience and exposure gave Nine Muses a leg up from the competition and helped their image as a 'Modeling Idol Group'.

When taking into account that girl groups usually begin to pursue other careers in the entertainment after their singing career is over, their retirement from Nine Muses at the peak of their fame seems odd. Are they rushing into a career path that will have them start over as rookies? Whether it's acting or MC'ing, they will have to start over from the bottom up.

This is not without precedent. Wonder Girls' member Sohee began to find avenues to pursue a career in the fashion industry and acting industry when their leader Sun got married with a child. Sunmi's married life made Wonder Girls' future uncertain, so Sohee immediately began to adapt. KARA's Jiyoung is also looking to pursue an acting career after leaving KARA.

The primary reason that they would seek to be in a different industry is that female idol groups usually only last a few years before breaking up. By changing professions early, they may be able to enjoy the longevity that a career MC or actresses may have. Idol group members are now welcomed on most entertainment shows because they carry with them a huge fan base.

It's also not a bad decision on the entertainment/management companies' part. Lee Sem and Eunji may not have had the stamina to last as onstage performers despite their prestigious background. By creating different avenues for their stars to follow, they are guaranteeing the longevity of the stars that they've put in money and effort to train.