Changes within groups are not uncommon, and some idols have found themselves leaving or being removed from their teams.
Notable K-pop idols such as Seunghan, Soojin, Kim Woojin, Taeil, Kim Garam, Seungri, and T.O.P. have made headlines due to their departures.
Each of these departures has its own story, its own reasons, and its own impact on the idols, their fans, and the K-pop world at large.
K-Pop Idols Removed From Their Groups
Here are the K-pop idols who left or were removed from their groups
Seunghan (RIIZE)
The most recent exit of Seunghan was a hot topic for over a month. He suspended activities temporarily on November 22, 2023, after getting embroiled in multiple controversies. Particularly, his leaked pre-debut, intimate photos with his girlfriend enraged Korean netizens and they demanded his withdrawal through protests.
After over 10 months of waiting with no update, OT7 fans were finally overjoyed to learn that Seunghan will resume activities in November. Wizard Production officially announced his return on October 10, however, the decision was reversed within 48 hours.
Korean fans sent around 1000 funeral wreaths to condemn SM Entertainment’s decision to return him to RIIZE. While the label removed him from the group, it sparked a new wave of protests and boycotts from international BRIIZE (fandom name).
RIIZE’s social media platforms lost nearly half a million followers after his departure and many K-pop retailers boycotted importing RIIZE products.
However, SM Entertainment did not consider the sentiment of the overseas fans to reinstate him in RIIZE. They have announced that he is undergoing training to debut as a solo artist in the latter half of 2025.
Kim Woojin (Stray Kids)
Kim Woojin was a former member of the popular K-pop boy group Stray Kids, however, his time with the group was relatively brief. Stray Kids debuted in March 2018 and Kim parted ways with the group the next year.
After around 1.5 years as a Stray Kids member, Kim Woojin left the group in October 2019, citing personal reasons. The 27-year-old singer made his solo debut in August 2021 and signed with a new label Kustomade earlier this year.
After signing with a new agency, he talked about leaving Stray Kids and how “terribly sorry” he felt for leaving “a team like that.”
Soojin ((G)I-DLE)
Soojin, formerly of (G)I-DLE, is now a solo artist under BRD Communications.
In response to bullying allegations, Cube Entertainment and Soojin announced in March 2021, that she would be taking a temporary hiatus.
An investigation conducted by the agency found that the 26-year-old singer had been involved in an extended argument, but no evidence of bullying or violence was uncovered after speaking with teachers and alumni from her former school.
Then, Cube announced in August 2021 that her contract with the label was terminated and Soojin had left (G)I-DLE. She debuted as a soloist with EP “Agassy” in November 2023 followed by the release of 2nd EP “RIZZ” in May 2024.
More recently on November 23, (G)I-DLE leader Soyeon took a dig at Soojin during her rap at MAMA Awards 2024.
Kim Garam (LE SSERAFIM)
LE SSERAFIM went through a major lineup shakeup just a couple of months after their debut. While the group debuted on May 2, 2022, Kim Garam took a hiatus on May 20, 2022, due to allegations of school violence.
Before the group’s debut, the 19-year-old K-pop star was accused of school bullying, however, SOURCE MUSIC denied allegations at the time stating that she was, in fact, a victim of violence and bullying.
A document allegedly linking Garam to school violence surfaced a few days prior to her debut. HYBE responded by announcing legal action against slander.
Later, an alleged victim came forward, claiming severe bullying led to school transfers, counseling, and anxiety. The victim’s law firm warned HYBE to apologize or face release of the full committee report.
In July, she was permanently removed as a LE SSERAFIM member and is currently studying acting to pursue a career in the Kdrama industry.
Taeil
Taeil, a member of NCT, was permanently removed from the group in August 2024 following accusations of sexual misconduct. A woman filed a sexual assault complaint against the former NCT member, accusing him of quasi-rape along with his non-celebrity acquaintances.
Taeil’s sexual offense case is forwarded to the prosecution in September and he can potentially face a minimum of 7 years in prison or life imprisonment if found guilty.
In mid-October, SM Entertainment announced that his contract with the agency was terminated and he is no longer an artist under the label.
Seungri and T.O.P (BIGBANG)
BIGBANG has not only lost one but two members since their debut in 2006. Seungri and T.O.P were removed from the group after getting embroiled in some serious controversies.
Seungri, a BIGBANG member and convict of the Burning Sun scandal, left the group and entertainment agency in March 2019. He was convicted in 2020 for his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal. The 33-year-old Kpop idol was charged with sexual bribery and embezzlement and was initially sentenced to three years in prison, plus a fine of approximately $970,000.
However, his sentence was later reduced to 18 months, and he was released from prison on February 9, 2023.
T.O.P, a member of the K-pop group BIGBANG, faced controversy after testing positive for marijuana use during his mandatory military service. He was hospitalized after being found unconscious in his unit and temporarily suspended his service, resuming in January 2018.
T.O.P’s exclusive contract with YG Entertainment ended, with YG initially stating he would remain part of BIGBANG. However, the 37-year-old confirmed his departure from the group on May 31, 2023. He is set to join the acclaimed Netflix series “Squid Game 2” in December.
Rowoon (SF9)
Rowoon left SF9 in September 2023 while all other members renewed contracts with FNC Entertainment. The 28-year-old K-pop star is a flourishing actor, and the reason he left the group was to focus on acting commitments.
He has steadily built his acting career with memorable roles in “Destined With You,” “Tomorrow,” “The Matchmaker,” and more. He is set to appear alongside Shin Ye Eun and Park Seo Ham in Disney+’s drama “The Murky Stream.”
After his departure, SF9 reorganized into an eight-member group and made their comeback in January 2024.
Jini
NMIXX fans faced major shock when Jini’s departure from the group was announced in December 2022. At the time, JYP Entertainment announced that she would be leaving the group for personal circumstances and her contract with the label had already been terminated.
In March 2023, after opening an Instagram account, the 20-year-old Korean star hinted at her return as a solo artist. Jini signed with an agency and debuted as a soloist with her first mini-album “An Iron Hand In A Velvet Glove.”
Lucas (NCT, WayV)
Lucas, a member of NCT and WayV, had to leave the group after being embroiled in controversy about past relationships. A girl claiming to be his former girlfriend accused him of using her money and gaslighting her.
In August 2021, The 25-year-old idol paused activities and suspended NCT and its sub-units after two years of inactivity in May 2023.
He debuted as a solo artist on April 1 with the single album “Renegade” and is set to make a comeback in early 2025.
Yeseo and Mashiro (Kep1er)
Yeseo and Mashiro are both artists under 143 Entertainment and former members of Kep1er. They became a member of the said group through Mnet’s “Girls Planet 999” and officially debuted in January 2022.
However, their journey with the group lasted just over two years and they parted ways for good in July 2024. Their agency failed to agree on the terms of the contract renewal with WakeOne Entertainment.
They re-debuted with 143 Entertainment’s girl group LIMELIGHT (rebranded as MADEIN).
Gaeun (MADEIN)
Gaeun recently left MADEIN after accusing 143 Entertainment’s CEO of sexual harassment and asking for inappropriate favors in return for staying in the group.
Earlier in November, she raised eyebrows by unfollowing the agency’s CEO on IG and removing the group’s name from her bio. A few hours later, the label announced that she would halt group activities due to health issues.
She contacted JTBC’s “Scandal Supervisor” to expose the CEO’s inappropriate actions. He asked Gaeun to pretend to be her girlfriend for a day if she wanted to stay in the team.
Hwarang (TEMPEST)
Hwarang, who debuted as a TEMPEST member in March 2022, was removed from the group after a club controversy. After his visit to the club went viral on social media, he suspended activities and apologized to the fans.
In August 2024, Yue Hua Entertainment announced that Hwarang was permanently removed from the group and terminated his contract after reaching a mutual agreement.
Ravi (VIXX)
While Ravi parted ways with VIXX’s agency in 2019, he decided to continue group activities and manage solo endeavors under his own label, GROOVL1N.
His exit from VIXX was announced in April 2023 after he was accused of trying to dodge military service by making false medical documents declaring epilepsy.
Gyuri (fromis_9)
Gyuri debuted as fromis_9 member in January 2018 and stayed with the group till July 2022. She officially wrapped activities as a fromis_9 member on July 31 and the group moved forward with 8 members.
She did not renew her contract with PLEDIS Entertainment to continue with the group members.
Mashiho and Yedam (TREASURE)
TREASURE continued activities as a 10-member act after Mashiho and Bang Yedam left the group. After debuting in 2020, they permanently left TREASURE for different reasons.
Mashiho exited from the group due to health issues and required ample time for recovery. On the other hand, Yedam had a change of heart and wanted to pursue a career as a solo artist and a producer.
Which K-pop idol’s departure hit you the hardest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!