Lizzy Graduates From After School And Leaves Pledis Entertainment
Lizzy has officially announced that she will be leaving Pledis Entertainment. Her contract has expired, and she has decided not to renew with the company.
Lizzy revealed the news to her fans through a hand-written letter. After 9 years with After School, she is graduating from the group.
“I’m writing this letter to inform you of the start of the 2nd chapter of my life. I knew I was going to graduate someday, but it feels like my graduation is coming so fast, even after 9 years as a member.”
She also explained her long history with Pledis Entertainment in the announcement.
“I was a regular high school student at BEXCO before I got casted in 2009. I came to Seoul as a trainee, and became a member of After School with the name ‘Lizzy’ in March of 2010. I’ve also been promoting with Orange Caramel and After School Blue.”
Lizzy thanked the Pledis Entertainment staff, and CEO Han Sung Soo.
“I am so thankful to CEO Han Sung Soo and the Pledis family for helping me grow as Lizzy, and lead me here today. I won’t forget what you did for me and will always remain grateful.
Finally, she gave a shoutout to her fellow After School members, and her fans for supporting her.
“To the members who have shared the pleasures and pains of life, thank you and I love you so much. And I’ll never forget the moments that I’ve shared with our fans, ‘Play Girlz.’ I’m so thankful and I love you.”
Pledis Entertainment also confirmed the news through an official statement posted on After School’s fan cafe.
“We inform you that our contract with Lizzy expired on April 30, 2018. We had many deep conversations with Lizzy, and after the talks, we have agreed to end our management duties with respect to Lizzy’s intention to fulfill her dreams through various challenges.”
After School originally debuted in 2009 with 5 members. Being the first K-Pop group to utilize the graduation system, Lizzy joined After School in 2010 during the release of their 3rd single, “Bang!”
With Lizzy’s graduation, four members remain in After School: Raina, Nana, Eyoung, and Gaeun.
Read Lizzy’s letter in full below:
“Hello! This is Lizzy.
The weather has gotten warmer, and spring is upon us. How is everyone doing?
As spring comes and winter passes, I’m writing this letter to inform you of the start of the 2nd chapter of my life. I knew I was going to graduate someday, but it feels like my graduation is coming so fast, even after 9 years as a member.
I was a regular high school student at BEXCO before I got casted in 2009. I came to Seoul as a trainee, and became a member of After School with the name ‘Lizzy’ in March of 2010. I’ve also been promoting with Orange Caramel and After School Blue.
I am so thankful to CEO Han Sung Soo and the Pledis family for helping me grow as Lizzy, and lead me here today. I won’t forget what you did for me and will always remain grateful.
To the members who have shared the pleasures and pains of life, thank you and I love you so much. And I’ll never forget the moments that I’ve shared with our fans, ‘Play Girlz.’ I’m so thankful and I love you.
Just like you’ve shown your endless love for me, I’ll also try show an improved and better me. Once again, thank you and I love you.”
