Youngseo has left the group and BELIFT LAB, according to the agency's official statement.
Read more to know further details.
I'LL-IT Youngseo Leaves Group, Agency During Debut Preparations, BELIFT LAB Releases Official Statement
On January 5, HYBE's subsidiary label BELIFT LAB released an official statement announcing Youngseo's departure from I'LL-IT and the agency.
The announcement was made on Weverse, where the agency explained that with Youngseo's departure, I'LL-IT will proceed to debut as a five-membered group.
BELIFT LAB also shared that the decision for Youngseo's departure was made after an in-depth conversation with the trainee, which led to the termination of her exclusive contract with the agency. It also stated that no misunderstanding should arise regarding the situation.
BELIFT LAB also expressed its best wishes for Youngseo, who will be moving forward with her plans in the future. Moreover, the agency also assured fans that I'LL-IT will receive all necessary support in order to flourish in their debut and group activities.
Read the full statement here:
"Hello. This is BELIFT LAB.
We would like to share some information regarding our newest group I'LL-LIT, who will be debuting as a team of five members.
After engaging in a series of in-depth discussions about future activities, BELIFT LAB and Youngseo have come to a mutual agreement to terminate the exclusive contract. This decision has been made after careful consideration and to honor the artist's wishes.
We kindly ask that no unwarranted speculations or misunderstandings should occur regarding this matter. We also wish nothing but the best for Youngseo in her future endeavors.
I'LL-IT will be proceeding with their debut as a five-membered group. We are committed to fully supporting the debut of I'LL-IT and their subsequent engagements from now on.
Thank you."
K-pop Community Ponders Youngseo's Whereabouts Due to Lack of Presence in I'LL-IT's Schedules
Before her departure, Youngseo has already drawn attention on social media for not being present in I'LL-IT's schedules and for quietly "vanishing" from the K-pop scene.
Netizens have voiced out their frustration across the internet due to Youngseo's absence in the group's official activities, particularly, during I'LL-IT's filming in Taiwan for their debut content.
According to the clips that went viral online, the existing members namely Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha were the only ones present during their shooting. Many also expressed worries about Youngseo's status with the group.
it’s only the 5 of them.. #WHERE_IS_YOUNGSEO#빌리프랩_설명해라 @BELIFTLAB pic.twitter.com/NxTKNW5qxY
— may ✨ (@bomkkotz) January 2, 2024
During the finale of BELIFT LAB's survival show "R U Next?," Youngseo managed to rank second place in the final lineup for I'LL-IT.
What are your thoughts on Youngseo's departure from I'LL-IT? Are you still looking forward to their debut? Let us know in the comments below!
Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.
