As we welcome the year 2020 and 2019 has come to an end, we cannot deny the fact that there have just been many rough happenings for the past years in the K-pop industry, and specifically, a lot of idols left their team. This had caused much confusion or anger among fans and also resulted in some of them feeling empty due to their departure.
Wonho of MONSTA X
From the group, Monsta X, a seven-member boy group from Starship Entertainment, turned into a six-membered band when Wonho, with a real name Lee Hoseok, had the public in shock as he got involved in a controversy and speculations in November last year. His departure had caused many Monbebes, Monsta X's official fan club, to feel shocked and upset by the decision. Even until now, there are still a lot of fans fighting and hoping for a change in mind from Wonho as well as Starship Entertainment.
Woojin from Stray Kids
Kim Woojin's departure from the group was also a surprise for many fans, which are called STAYs, as the news had come out of the blue. JYP Entertainment, which is the agency where Stray Kids are being managed, left a statement on their official SNS account saying that Woojin has left the team and terminated his contract due to personal circumstances. As JYP wanted to still keep optimism on their side through the member's decision, they finished their statement with, "We ask everyone to support Woojin who will be going to take his path, and we also ask for support for the remaining members who will continue to walk on their journey with their compass."
B. I from iKON
B.I., with a real name Kim Hanbin and better known as the leader of the iKON, had announced his departure from the group after he was caught in an attempt to purchase marijuana and LSD back in 2016. It was claimed that he left iKON not because of his own will, but because of the coercion of Y.G. Entertainment and the source of this news is said to be an iKON member. Fans believed that B.I.'s "plan" to leave made him look guilty because of his agency as B.I. wouldn't leave behind his brothers since his youth as a leader, trainer, composer, and producer of iKON. They say that B.I. sacrificed half of his life for his group from the beginning, and he overcame many challenges for his music and members, so he doesn't deserve to be separated from them at all.
Mina from AOA
On May 13 last year, FNC Entertainment announced Mina's departure from the group AOA. Mina has decided not to renew her contract and left their agency. In their official statement, FNC Entertainment also confirms the rest of AOA members have renewed their contracts and will continue their activities as a group and individually, adding that they have decided to respect Mina's choice as she chose to lead on a different path. On the same day, it was also revealed that the former AOA member ChoA has also left their agency.
Seungri from BIGBANG
Seungri got his name involved in various controversies in 2019 and some of which have cleared off, but he is still under investigation. On March 11, he posted on his Instagram account the announcement of his retirement on the music industry for good, following various reports on the Burning Sun scandal with Jung Joon Young's Kakao Talk controversy and allegedly providing escort services as well. He was also suspected of a lot of crimes after he announced his retirement.
Yeonwoo and Taeha from MOMOLAND
On November 30, MLD Entertainment posted an official notice to the group's fan cafe in both English and Korean announcing the departure of Taeha and Yeonwoo from MOMOLAND. "Taeha and Yeonwoo have thought deeply about their path for a long time and, upon having enough time for their thoughts, have had many conversations with the company." After this stunning declaration made by the agency, fans overflowed Twitter with messages to help Taeha and Yeonwoo, even though they're naturally furious about the news. Until further notice, the gathering is working with its six different individuals: Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy.
Luhan, Kris, Tao from EXO
There are no words to describe the pain of their withdrawal, wherein it was the peak of their success and fame. Last 2014, Kris decided to file a lawsuit against S.M. Entertainment to leave the group, followed by Luhan. It was said that due to the unfair treatment for Chinese members, the members decided to leave the group and agency, while some said it was due to health issues. Though it was not clarified what the real reason was, this will always be the painful withdrawal for EXO-ls.
