When Jang Gyuri left fromis_9, speculations spread claiming that the star parted ways with the group due to discord between members. In a recent interview, the idol-turned-actress revealed the "truth."
Jang Gyuri Speaks Out on 'Real' Reason She Left fromis_9
On December 14, Jang Gyuri sat down for an interview with various Korean media outlets in commemoration of the finale of the SBS drama, "Cheer Up."
During the conversation, Gyuri answered questions about the transition of her career from being an idol to actress, her relationship with fromis_9 members, as well as support she receives from Flover (fandom).
ALSO READ: Jang Gyuri to Leave fromis_9― What Will Happen to the Group?
When asked about her withdrawal about fromis_9 and decision to pursue an acting career, Jang Gyuri explained:
"I thought I grew up with the members through fromis_9 and achieved a lot. During the last promotion, we won 5 awards on music shows and achieved Career High. At that time, I thought, 'Can't I challenge the dream that was in my heart now?' I thought it would be a good time to trust the members, watch them from behind, and take a step further to challenge my dream. Because I've worked really hard for the past five years."
She added:
It took a lot of courage to make such a decision. When I made "such a decision" and informed my fans, I felt that they were still cheering and loving me, so I felt like I was recognized as "I must have really lived hard for five years." I wanted to repay you with a great performance."
Regarding the fact that several idols are working both as idols and actors, Jang Gyuri confessed she initially thought she could do the same.
However, this took a toll on her physical and mental well-being, alongside the fear of harming her co-members, leading to her decision to leave the group after contract expiration.
"At the beginning of the filming of 'Cheer Up', I did both team activities and acting. I couldn't concentrate physically and mentally, and I felt I wasn't good enough to do both. Especially physically, it was really hard. Later, I practiced the album and the cheering squad together, but I couldn't get the choreography.
I thought it was too much to go in parallel and I feel sorry for the damage I caused to the members. I was so sorry that I had to lose a lot of weight and couldn't practice."
Gyuri also revealed she did her best and tried not to show that she was having a hard time.
"But I think it's obvious. I thought I wanted to do both and of course, I shouldn't let it show that I'm having a hard. It was natural for the members and fans."
Jang Gyuri Quashes Discord Rumor By Updating on Relationship With fromis_9
When she left the group, there were speculations that discord between the members was the main reason she decided not to continue as fromis_9.
However, in the interview, Jang Gyuri quashed this rumor by revealing that her passion for acting was the real reason she left. She also updated on her current relationship with fromis_9.
Jang Gyuri said she is still at the same (makeup) shop as the members, and shared they often leave her positive comments about her acting projects, such as "I'll watch it live" and "I'm watching it well," when they meet or exchange contacts.
READ MORE: Discord Between Members? Jang Gyuri's Reason of Leaving fromis_9 Draws Attention
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
