In the history of K-pop, numerous K-pop groups lost a member or more for various reasons. Some departures are because of health conditions or scandals, while others are due to their decision to create their own families or focus on their studies. While most idols who left had specific reasons, there are several artists whose reasons are unknown- a few are listed below.
7 K-pop Idols Who Left Their Groups Due to Unknown Reasons
Former DAY6 Junhyeok
Back in February 2016, My Days were surprised by JYP Entertainment's announcement of Junhyeok leaving DAY6 and ending his contract with the company. The company stated that his departure was due to "personal reasons." But because it has something to do with his personal life, the exact reason remains a mystery among fans.
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Prior to his departure from the group, Junhyeok was involved in a dating rumor with a fan. It was deemed as a scandal because JYPE artists are banned from dating for the first three years of their careers, so Junhyeok would have been breaking this rule. Hence, fans speculate that he left DAY6 due to his alleged relationship with a fan.
Former Stray Kids Woojin
Another departure of a JYPE artist that many fans wonder about is that of Woojin leaving Stray Kids in October 2019. At that time, the company said that Woojin had left the team and terminated his exclusive contract due to "personal circumstances." And because it also concerns his personal life, fans are curious about the particular reason for his sudden departure.
In March 2020, Bang Chan might have hinted at why Woojin left. He made several comments during a V LIVE broadcast that left fans speculating that Woojin made a lot of mistakes and selfish actions, which led to him leaving the group.
Former Cherry Bullet Kokoro, Linlin, and Mirae
The year 2019 also saw the departure of three members of Cherry Bullet, namely Kokoro, Mirae, and Linlin. FNC Entertainment announced in December of that year that they had discussions with the three artists, and they decided to end their activities as Cherry Bullet members and terminated their exclusive contracts.
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Because that was the only explanation of the label, fans were left puzzled as to what caused Kokoro, Mirae, and Linlin to leave. However, Kokoro and Linlin's departure wasn't too surprising to some fans since they were inactive in Cherry Bullet's activities since August 2018 (but without proper notice from the agency, which is another mystery among fans).
Former OnlyOneOf Love
Another shocking departure of a K-pop idol that led to fans demanding an explanation from the agency is that of Love withdrawing from OnlyOneOf and parting ways with 8D Entertainment.
In August 2021, 8D Entertainment announced that Love had decided to conclude his activities as an OnlyOneOf member after careful discussion with the agency. Their only explanation for such a decision shared with fans was that the male idol had personal reasons.
Because no clear reason was given to IyOn (OnlyOneOf's fandom), fans came together to create a campaign demanding full disclosure concerning Love's sudden departure. In fact, they arranged a billboard to show their support for Love.
Former ONF Laun
Former ONF member Laun is another male K-pop idol who left the group and terminated his exclusive contract with his company (WM Entertainment) for "personal reasons." WM Entertainment explained on Aug. 23, 2019 that the agency reached a final agreement with Laun for him to halt his activities in the entertainment industry.
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This announcement was a big surprise to the fans because the male idol was active on social media and in the entertainment industry weeks before. In particular, he made his debut in the web drama "When You Love Yourself" (Season 2) and attended the record of MBC's Chuseok special "Idol Star Athletics Championship" alongside his members. In addition, ONF also released a teaser for their comeback just a day before the announcement.
Moreover, former ONF Laun had no history of taking a break due to health problems or rumors of attitude issues, further confounding fans.
There are just a few K-pop idols who left their groups for unknown reasons, so if you know any other artists, comment below!
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Written by Maria Scott
