In recent years, the K-pop industry has witnessed a growing number of idol group members voluntarily leaving their groups, often following the revelation of scandals or past indiscretions. Due to the public nature of their careers, these issues frequently place a heavy strain on both the group and its fan base, leading to departures that can sometimes feel like an unavoidable outcome.
Ju Hak Nyeon Departs After Controversial Meeting with Japanese Actress
Ju Hak Nyeon, a former member of The Boyz, became embroiled in controversy after reports surfaced of his private meetings with Japanese actress Asuka Kirara. Eyewitnesses claimed to have seen the two sharing hugs and engaging in other intimate gestures, which quickly went viral on social media, leaving fans shocked and disappointed.
Initially, Ju Hak Nyeon’s agency, One Hundred, cited “personal reasons” for his hiatus. However, just 48 hours later, the company announced his official departure from the group and the termination of his contract, stating that the scandal had damaged trust in him as an artist. This move was essentially seen as an expulsion.
In response, Ju Hak Nyeon denied that he had voluntarily left the group, insisting that he had been wronged and that the agency had made unreasonable demands. His agency quickly countered these claims, calling them one-sided and distorted and reaffirming that their decision was based on contract clauses regarding reputational damage.
The prevailing view is that Ju Hak Nyeon’s exit was not voluntary, but rather a forced departure due to the controversy surrounding him.
Riize’s Seunghan Faces Underage Smoking and Inappropriate Conversations Scandal
Seunghan, a member of Riize, found himself in hot water shortly after his debut. Reports surfaced revealing that during his trainee days, Seunghan had been involved in underage smoking and had engaged in inappropriate conversations, sparking significant backlash.
Though Seunghan took a step back from his activities for some time to reflect, fans vehemently opposed any attempts to reinstate him. Some even sent protest wreaths to SM Entertainment. In the end, the agency scrapped plans for his return and instead announced that Seunghan would debut as a solo artist, leaving Riize behind.
Soojin Leaves (G)I-DLE Amid School Bullying Allegations
Soojin, a former member of (G)I-DLE, was suspended from her activities in 2021 after being accused of bullying during her school days. A former classmate accused her of harassing their younger sibling, and the situation escalated when actress Seo Shin Ae also made public comments related to the allegations.
Despite maintaining her innocence, Soojin ultimately chose to leave the group, citing concerns that her continued presence would be a burden to her teammates. The following year, she terminated her contract with Cube Entertainment and appeared to step away from the entertainment industry. However, in an unexpected turn, Soojin signed with BRD Communications in 2023 and made her solo comeback.
Kim Garam’s LeSserafim Stint Ends After Just 19 Days
Kim Garam’s highly anticipated debut with LeSserafim was abruptly cut short when documents alleging her involvement in school violence during her middle school years were leaked online. Despite her insistence that there was no violence and that she felt wronged, public opinion remained harsh and unforgiving.
HYBE Entertainment quickly suspended her activities and officially announced her departure from the group. Since leaving the group, Kim has kept a low profile, reportedly working as a crew member on a university short film and opening a personal social media account to update fans.
These departures are more than just personal decisions. They reflect the intense scrutiny and fragility of public image in the fan-driven K-pop industry. Scandals can have widespread effects not only on the individual involved but also on the group as a whole, often leaving the only viable choice to preserve the group’s reputation and harmony.
While some idols can bounce back by pursuing solo careers or transitioning to new roles within the entertainment industry, whether these exits mark the end of their careers or the beginning of a new chapter remains uncertain. The way these idols navigate their futures and how the public receives their comebacks will ultimately determine whether their voluntary departures were truly the end or just another starting point.
