On April 2, Bolbbalgan4's label Shofar music disclosed the exit of member Woo Ji Yoon from the duo.
The agency stated, "Due to her personal career aspirations, Bolbbalgan4's Ji Yoon shared her desires to conclude her activities as a duo member, and we have had long discussions with the two duo members on this subject several times. We'll honor the intentions of Ji Yoon, and Bolbbalgan4 will proceed with Ahn Ji Young as the only member under the same artist name, without recruiting additional members."
Shofar Music added, "We're saddened fans won't see Bolbbalgan4 collaborating together anymore, but we agreed that it was our utmost priority to honor Ji Yoon's aspirations and came to this resolution. Also, if Ji Young and Ji Yoon are cutting ties as Bolbbalgan4, though encouraging on each other's journeys, they will remain good friends. Now promoted as a soloist, Bolbbalgan4 is currently working on a new album scheduled for release in May."
A handwritten letter to supporters was released following the confirmation on April 2, concerning the departure of Woo Ji Yoon from the BOL4 pair.
The letter reads:
"Hello. This is Ji Young.
I'd like to start by saying I'm so sorry that the news was released as soon as that. Many people seem to love both of us as BOL4, so my heart hurts, and I'm sorry to realize our fans who have been supporting us for a considerable period of time must be disappointed.
I believe Ji Yoon was thinking about that for a longer time than I expected before she made that decision. Once she then notified me, I was shocked and still very disappointed, but on the other hand, I still reflected on how much she had to think about this and had a tough time getting to this decision because she was such a conscientious person.
We discussed it in detail for quite some time, and after considering what she had to say, I understood that she was certain in her thoughts, and so I agreed to honor her sentiments.
I've known her for almost 10 years, and there hasn't been a time when Woo Ji Yoon won't do her best at BOL4! It is because she is an entertainer, both those-rounder who can do everything. Now I assume it is my chance to support her as a friend.
While we seem to never be able to see you in the future, I want us to be mutually supportive from our position and often to send our fans updates. I will try to start 'BOL4' on my own now, too. It's true there are stuff that I'm concerned about and terrified of.
Nonetheless, I suppose now, more than ever, is when I have to take more responsibility and do my part, as I vowed that with every album and every concert, I will keep giving you great songs for long. I think I put a lot of thought into the new album. Check, please, to see what feelings I felt or stories I wrote.
Just as I have always said, I would really like to thank our fans by maintaining the 'youth' sentiment of BOL4 [a reference to the Korean name of BOL4 'Blushing Youth'], which is so important to me, in the most sincere and genuine manner.
To our [fan club] loBoly, who have played a significant role in shedding light on the last four years that Ji Yoon and I have served together.
Thank you for loving us and helping us without looking back. I'll also cheer on the new start of Ji Yoon whilst showing you a better picture as Ahn Ji Young of BOL4.
Thank you.
From, BOL4's Ahn Ji Young."
CAREER
Also known as Blushing Youth, Bolbbalgan4 is a musical South Korean duo established in 2016 by Shofar Music. Before signing a contract with their new agency, they appeared in Superstar K6 in 2014. BOL4 was a duo composed of Ahn Ji-young and Woo Ji-Yoon.
They launched on April 22, 2016, with the single "Fight Day" from their Red Ickle mini-album. The pair reached a brief hiatus during the first half of 2018 due to the requirements of Ahn's music courses. On June 5, 2019, Bolbbalgan4 signed a deal with King Records and premiered the Japan Edition (Red Planet) mini-album.
