K-Pop Idols Who Unexpectedly “Left” Their Group

When K-Pop idols leave their respective groups, it’s usually at an “expected” moment, such as when their contracts expire, or after a scandal. However, there have been some departures that seemingly came out nowhere. Here’s a list of some K-Pop idols who unexpectedly “left” their group.

1. Woojin (Former member of Stray Kids)

Woojin originally debuted as a member of Stray Kids in 2018. However, JYP Entertainment made a shocking announcement in 2019 that Woojin would be withdrawing from the group due to “personal reasons”.

Hello, this is JYP Entertainment.

Woojin has left Stray Kids due to personal circumstances and has terminated his contract. Up until now, he was a Stray Kids member.

We would like to apologize for troubling many fans with this sudden news.

Because of this, the release of Stray Kids’ new mini-album Clé: LEVANTER, which was scheduled to be released on November 25, will be delayed to December 9.

We would like you to send your support to Woojin, who will be going on his new path. We would also like to ask STAY to continue to support the 8 Stray Kids members, who will continue on their path to their dreams, with their compass.

Thank you.

— JYP Entertainment

The “true” reason why Woojin left Stray Kids was never revealed, but many netizens have assumed that he got kicked out of the group, as the news came out of nowhere. Some fans have speculated on this more after member Bangchan made an ambiguous statement on a live broadcast.

"I know a person who had to face the worst consequence by making a lot of mistakes and it was bc of those mistakes that really affected ppl around him. If you make a promise with the team you need to be responsible and really keep those promises" "STAYs know what I'm talking abt" pic.twitter.com/lHDSM4oeoY

— Z O N E (@CB97liner) March 24, 2020

2. Mirae, Kokoro, and LinLin (Former members of Cherry Bullet)

Cherry Bullet initially debuted in 2018, but they went through big changes in 2019. It was announced that Mirae, Kokoro, and LinLin would be leaving the group and have their contracts canceled. It was never revealed why the 3 members left the group, or what they had planned for the future.

3. Yeonwoo, Taeha, and Daisy (Former members of MOMOLAND)

In 2019, MOMOLAND went through some major changes when it was announced that Yeonwoo and Taeha would be leaving the group.

MLD Entertainment stated that the two left due to wanting to start new careers. However, there have been some statements made that suggested that they got kicked out of the group.

Right now, I am doing a new job. I don’t have any other choices. I have to do this to continue with my dream. I feel like I have to do this to live. I have to do this to continue to be able to meet you all.

— Yeonwoo

Daisy is another member of MOMOLAND who had a conflict with MLD Entertainment, as many speculate that she was forced out of the group.

4. Im Junhyeok (Former member of Day6)

Junhyeok originally debuted as a member of Day6 in 2015. However, he was only with the group for around a year before he withdrew. JYP Entertainment said that he left due to personal reasons, but it was never specified more than that. Some have speculated that he got kicked out of the group because he was dating someone, which would be breaking JYP Entertainment’s rule where artists aren’t allowed to date for the first 3 years of their career.

5. Jessica (Former member of Girls’ Generation)

When Jessica originally “left” Girls’ Generation in 2014, it shocked the K-Pop industry. Another shocking detail was that Jessica herself stated that she was being forced out of the group by SM Entertainment.

I was excited about our upcoming fan events only to shockingly be informed by my company and 8 others that as of today, I’m no longer a member. I’m devastated – my priority and love is to serve as a member of GG, but for no justifiable reason, I am being forced out.

— Jessica

6. The members of gugudan

The members of gugudan are quite different from the other idols on this list, as the whole group was practically forced to disband due to their company, Jellyfish Entertainment. Member Sally recently revealed that their company told all the gugudan members to leave their dorm and never return.

At the beginning of 2019, my agency told me to go back home. When I asked them when I should come back, they told me there was no need to come back.

– Sally

There still hasn’t been an official statement by Jellyfish Entertainment regarding gugudan.