Choose Your Own Path, Here's a List of K-Pop Idols Who Left Their Groups - From Soloists to Actors!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Devie Vyatri Permata Cahyadi

It is no longer a secret that K-Pop groups are formed solely for business purposes. Many people say that every member of a K-Pop group will inevitably face internal conflicts with each other, which can affect their unity. Netizens also say that only a few K-Pop groups genuinely have relationships like close family, while the rest are considered merely business partners. These judgments are one of the dark sides of K-Pop idols. What we see in front of the camera is not exactly the same as their real lives.

This does not rule out the possibility of K-Pop idols having disputes or other issues within their groups. There have been many K-Pop idols who have decided to leave their groups and choose to pursue their own careers. Apart from conflicts within the group, there are many other possibilities that become factors for the departure of K-Pop group members. After leaving the group, some have succeeded as soloists or actresses. Who are they? Let's directly check out the full article!

1. Jini ex-NMIXX

instagram.com/jiniyxxn & instagram.com/nmixx_official

Decided to leave the group that had made its name, Jini stepped down from her position as the center member of NMIXX. Just a few months after NMIXX's official debut in December 2022, JYP announced that Jini was no longer a part of NMIXX. The surprising announcement left NSWER (NMIXX's fanbase) confused. It seemed strange that Jini suddenly left in such a short period of time. With personal reasons, Jini firmly left NMIXX.

After a 1-year hiatus, Jini has returned as a soloist under the small agency called United Artist Production (UAP). And she officially debuted as a soloist with the song C'mon. As a new soloist, Jini is still working hard to achieve her dreams.

2. Gyuri ex-Fromis9

instagram.com/gyurious_j & instagram.com/officialfromis_9

Debuting with Fromis_9 in 2018, Jang Gyuri pursued her career as a singer for approximately 4 years. In addition to being a singer, Gyuri is also active as a rookie actress. She has starred in several dramas that have made her name more famous. Jang Gyuri decided to leave Fromis_9 in July 2022. Gyuri revealed that the decision she made was not easy. Especially since Gyuri and the other Fromis_9 members have spent a lot of time as trainees and members of the same group.

However, with all the considerations to achieve her desired dream, Gyuri finally quit being a singer and focused on pursuing her career in the acting world. Although she has left the group, Gyuri and the other members still maintain a good relationship and support each other.

3. Hanbin ex-iKON

instagram.com/shxxbi131 & instagram.com/withikonic

Involved in a drug-related case that implicated him in 2019, Hanbin decided to leave the group iKON. As the leader and producer of the boy group under YG Entertainment, he is known as an important figure who has contributed to creating a series of masterpieces for iKON. 'Love Scenario,' 'Killing Me,' 'My Type,' 'Rhythm Ta' are some of the songs written by B.I / Kim Hanbin.

The case of alleged drug use against Hanbin has actually been proven false. Hanbin revealed that it is true that during the pre-debut period, he had bought illegal drugs. However, he never used them, let alone became addicted. Acknowledging his mistake and feeling guilty, Hanbin decided to leave the K-Pop group that had made his name known. Now iKON is left with only 6 members: Ju-ne, Bobby, Song, Chanwoo, DK, and Jinhwan.

4. Denise ex-Secret Number

instagram.com/denisekimsays & instagram.com/secretnumber.official

Girl group rookie under the small agency named Vine Entertainment debuted their first K-Pop group in 2020 called Secret Number (SN). Secret Number consists of 5 members, namely Léa, Dita, Jinny, Soodam, and Denise. Making their official debut with the song Who Dis?, Secret Number immediately gained high hype at that time. The easy listening song with a catchy beat made this group become idols for many people.

Having experienced a long hiatus, SN suddenly announced a surprising news. In 2022, a member of the group named Kim Denise decided to leave SN. Denise revealed that her contract with Vine Entertainment had ended. It didn't take long for the agency to find replacements, and eventually Zuu and Minji became additional members. Now, Secret Number itself has achieved significant popularity in the K-Pop industry, while Denise focuses on being a content creator on her social media.

5. Jae ex-Day6

instagram.com/eajpark & instagram.com/day6kilogram

Day6 is a band group under the management of JYP Entertainment consisting of 5 members. They have become idols for many people because of their hit and heart-wrenching songs. Starting their debut in 2015, Day6 has become one of the popular bands in South Korea. Always seen as harmonious and compact, Day6 suddenly revealed a surprising statement. Before leaving the group, Jae had a hiatus to recover his condition.

However, at the end of 2021, Jae decided to leave the Day6 group for reasons that are not known exactly what caused it. Leaving the members to continue Day6 with a 4-member formation, each of them has found a suitable career. Day6 has just made a comeback with the album FOUREVER, while Jae is focusing on his solo singing career.

6. Rowoon ex-SF9

instagram.com/ewsbdi & instagram.com/sf9official

As the visual and vocalist of the group SF9, Rowoon has become the most popular member. He always becomes the spotlight of every comeback, and it seems like Rowoon is the ultimate weapon for SF9. In addition to their great songs, many SF9 members have pursued other careers as actors. Rowoon, Chani, Hwiyoung, and Inseong are examples. Specifically, Rowoon has starred in many drama projects that have further elevated his name.

In fact, many people think that Rowoon is an actor, not a singer. The popularity he has gained as an actor in recent years has led him to make a difficult decision. At the end of 2023, Rowoon announced his departure from SF9 to focus solely on his acting career. After being a member of the group for 7 years, Rowoon bid farewell to SF9 fans and apologized.

7. Naeun ex-Apink

instagram.com/marcellasne_ & instagram.com/official.apink2011

Becoming a member of the girl group legend Apink, who debuted in 2011, Son Na-eun has received a lot of love from her fans. Having a unique visual, Naeun became the most popular member of the group. Pursuing a career as a singer and actress has made her name soar in South Korea and among international fans. Balancing her schedule for Apink and her acting projects, Naeun has become one of the most professional artists.

After being together for 11 years, Naeun finally announced in 2022 that she was leaving the group that made her name. Wanting to focus on the acting world, Naeun apologized to the other members of Apink and her fans.

8. Soojin ex-Gidle

instagram.com/_seosootang & instagram.com/official_g_i_dle

Dragged into allegations of bullying during school, K-Pop idol Seo Soojin from the girl group (G)I-dle announced a hiatus. She faced various accusations of bullying from her past. Negative statements about Soojin continued to tarnish the group's image. Without denying the bullying accusations, Cube Entertainment announced Soojin's departure from (G)I-dle in August 2021. The group lost one member as they slowly gained success.

Feeling that the agency's actions were unfair in not clearing Soojin's name, fans demanded clarity. However, over time, the bullying allegations proved to be untrue. After disappearing for 2 years, Soojin finally debuted as a solo artist in 2023 with the song Agassy.

9. Yedam ex-Treasure

instagram.com/bangyedam_0257 & instagram.com/yg_treasure_official

Becoming one of the longest trainees at YG Entertainment, Yedam's wait and struggle to participate in the survival show YG Treasure Box finally paid off. Bang Yedam had a solo debut with the song Wayo before his official debut with the boy group Treasure. In 2020, Treasure debuted with the song Boy and immediately received positive response from many fans. As a YGE boy group with swag hip-hop songs, Treasure has achieved various impressive accomplishments.

Together with fellow Treasure member Mashiho, Bang Yedam also went on hiatus to study music. In the midst of his rising career, Bang Yedam announced his departure from the group Treasure and YG agency. Not long after, 1 year later, Yedam officially became a soloist under a small agency. As a solo singer, Bang Yedam recently revealed his reason for leaving the group. He said that pursuing a solo career is his dream, he wants to create songs in his own style. Whatever it is, let's continue to support both Treasure and Yedam, KLovers!

10. Jessica ex-SNSD

instagram.com/jessica.syj & instagram.com/girlsgeneration

It has become one of the big mysteries in K-Pop about the real reason behind Jessica Jung's departure from Girls Generation (SNSD). The girl group, produced by SM Entertainment, made their debut in 2007 and became idols for many fans around the world. Being one of the most famous groups in the 2nd generation of K-Pop, SNSD always attracted attention. However, in 2014, Jessica announced her departure from the SNSD group. According to circulating rumors, Jessica was reported to have chosen to pursue her own business with her own brand rather than continue as a singer with SNSD.

Jessica's departure had a negative impact on her relationship with the remaining SNSD members. Focusing on her career in business and as a solo artist, Jessica Jung's departure still left a big question mark among fans. Meanwhile, other SNSD members have also become actresses, but they remain united as members of the girl group that has made their name.

(kpl/dvp)