THESE 5 departures of members of the K-pop group left fans emotionally scarred
(TW: Mentions of school violence, drugs, discrimination)
While K-Pop is mostly a fun experience for everyone, it hurts no less when a member leaves the group. Exits can be torture for any fan, including the idol group and everyone around them.
Most often, the reason for these departures lies in business matters, the artist’s own will or an unforeseen situation that may lead to his dismissal.
Here are 5 heartbreaking band member departures that fans aren’t done with
1. Wonho (MONSTA X)
(Photo: Twitter de Wonho)
On October 31, 2019, Starship Entertainment Notice Depart from Wonho by MONSTA X and agency. The decision to leave came at Wonho’s own discretion to avoid trouble for the group. Following their announcement, Starship also said they are taking legal action against those spreading rumors about Wonho.
On November 1, the agency announced that Wonho’s exclusive contract had been officially terminated due to the heat of the investigation.
The report also reported on Wonho’s affiliation with Jung Dae Eun and a person named “Jo”. The report contained a series of logs concerning marijuana use and the authorities’ questioning of suspects.
On March 14, 2020, Wonho was cleared of all marijuana use allegations.
2. Tao (EXO)
(Photo: Instagram: @hztttao)
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 due to health issues.
However, in August 2015, Tao filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to end his exclusive contract. He was the third EXO member, after Luhan and Kris, to file a lawsuit against SM alleging discrimination, unfair contract terms and improper distribution of profits.
After a legal battle with SM Entertainment, the Korean court ruled in favor of the agency, confirming the three Chinese artists’ contracts until 2022. Although the decision was made, the Chinese members’ promotions with EXO had ended.
3. Soojin ((G)I-DLE)
(Photo: iMBC Entertainment – MBC)
On March 4, 2021, Cube Entertainment halted Soojin’s group activities with (G)I-DLE. With rumors that Soojin was involved in school violence, the idol went on an indefinite hiatus.
According to his March 18, 2021 news, Cube responded to the allegations and denied additional allegations made by the accuser. Finally, Cube Entertainment announced that Soojin will be leaving (G)I-DLE and the company on August 14, 2021.
4.BI (iKON)
(Photo: Instagram: @shxxbi131)
On June 12, 2019, Dispatch revealed a report that BI was accused of attempting to purchase drugs, including LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and marijuana in 2016.
In the report, a person named “A” was arrested for drug trafficking, revealing the KakaoTalk conversation between “A” and BI that took place in 2016. The conversation suggested that BI was trying to procure drugs.
In August 2016, “A” testified that the LSD was delivered on May 3, 2016 outside the iKON dormitory (Mapo district). The authorities did not contact or order BI for inspections. Police stated that “A” acknowledged BI’s attempted purchase, but did not buy drugs for him.
After the controversial report, BI finally confirmed its departure from iKON, followed by the announcement of YG on June 12, 2019.
5.Jessica (SNSD)
(Photo: Instagram: @jessica.syj)
On September 30, 2014, KST, rumors that Jessica was leaving SNSD began circulating the internet and it 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 as well as her situation in the announcement.
The singer also explained that her plan to start her own fashion company Blanc et Eclare (formerly known as BLANC) has been accepted by members of SM and SNSD. However, Jessica’s conflict with SM and SNSD began after the launch of Blanc and Eclare, leading to rescheduling.
Jessica said members changed their views about her business and told her to go out of business or leave the group. SM Entertainment later confirmed their release from SNSD on August 6, 2015.
Do you have other idols with unexpected departures from their groups? Let us know in the comments below.
Read KpopStarz for more information about K-Pop.
