On August 11, Apink's Hayoung revealed that she left their newly formed all-female soccer team "FC Rumor", along with TWICE Mina, Jihyo, Gugudan's Sejeong, and others.
Through a V Live broadcast, the female idol shared why the K-pop idol members, including her, TWICE Mina and Jihyo, Gugudan Seojeong, BESTie Uji, EXID's Jeong Hwa, and actress Kim Sae Ron decided to withdraw from the soccer team.
In particular, Korean media announced the soccer team, "FC Rumor," in July, when Sejeong posted a photo of the female members wearing their uniforms. Netizens then recognized some K-pop idols who are also part of the team, along with non-celebrity members.
However, as soon as the news circulated, K-netizens left negative comments about the team after speculating that the all-female soccer team is affiliated with the all-male celebrity soccer team with the same name.
One of the ridiculous reasons why the female members were forced to withdraw from the team is after controversy sparks that the clubs are just an excuse for the K-pop celebrities to meet up and date. Fans and netizens were worried that these celebrities might use "FC Rumor" to interact freely.
Some of the all-male team members are SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan, ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo, and 2AM's Seulong.
Apink's Hayoung then clarified the malicious rumors and refuted the claims of the netizens. On her broadcast, the idol said, "I left the team after my birthday. Some other members left too, including TWICE Jihyo and Mina."
She then added that they didn't leave because there is a misunderstanding, but because people might misunderstand or be upset because of the group. They also put into concern the non-celebrity members who were affected because of the speculations.
However, Hayoung expressed her frustrations as well, as they decided to form the team with good intentions, and some of the idols' reasons are doing it as a hobby and learning the sports. The Apink member then concluded that if people will see it from a different angle, it is meaningless to continue doing it.
Also, the idol, which is only concerned with the people around her, just left the group to end the issue.
As soon as international fans found out that they left the team, they conveyed how upset they are with K-netz, who protested against the group because of their ridiculous speculations and reason.
Foreign fans think that these fans are possessive to their idols when they only want to play the sport.
Hayoung on her V Live then comforted the fans who apologized to her, saying that even if she's a fan, it's understandable to ask an idol to leave the team if people mention her favorite idol's name in a negative way.
On the other hand, Sejeong also clarified the issue on July as soon as their team face backlash, posting a lengthy message, and explained that the two teams were not related in any way nor have any interactions and affirm everyone that they don't even know who are the male members and they don't want to know either.
