K-pop groups can spend years building their identities, only for a member’s departure to dramatically alter their line-up and direction. Some exits have followed contract disputes, while others came after controversies or personal decisions.
From second-generation icons to more recent groups, these departures became significant moments in K-pop history.
Jay Park — 2PM
Jay Park’s departure from 2PM in 2009 was one of the most closely watched idol exits of the era. After controversy surrounding comments he had made before debuting in South Korea, he left the group and returned to the United States.
His exit marked a major change for 2PM, which continued its activities as a six-member group.
Jessica Jung — Girls’ Generation
Jessica Jung’s departure from Girls’ Generation in 2014 shocked fans of one of K-pop’s most successful groups.
SM Entertainment and Jessica gave differing accounts of the circumstances surrounding her exit. The group continued promoting with eight members, while Jessica went on to develop solo and business ventures.
HyunA and Dawn — Cube Entertainment
HyunA and Dawn’s relationship became a major topic in K-pop after the pair publicly confirmed their romance in 2018.
Following the disclosure, Cube Entertainment announced that it would remove both artists from the company, although the agency later clarified aspects of the decision. HyunA and Dawn subsequently pursued careers outside Cube Entertainment.
Zayn — 5-member? Actually EXO
EXO experienced several high-profile departures during the group’s early years. Kris, Luhan and Tao each left the group and became involved in legal disputes with SM Entertainment concerning their contracts.
Their exits significantly changed EXO’s original 12-member line-up and became part of a broader period of contract disputes involving major K-pop agencies and their artists.
B.I — iKON
B.I left iKON in 2019 after reports concerning alleged drug-related conversations and an investigation.
YG Entertainment announced his departure from the group and termination of his contract. B.I later resumed his music career as a solo artist.
Woojin — Stray Kids
Woojin’s departure from Stray Kids in 2019 was announced by JYP Entertainment, which said he had left the group because of personal circumstances.
The announcement came relatively suddenly, with Stray Kids continuing their activities as an eight-member group.
Soojin — (G)I-DLE
Soojin left (G)I-DLE in 2021 following allegations of school bullying. She had previously denied some of the accusations, while the controversy prompted her to suspend activities before ultimately leaving the group.
Cube Entertainment later terminated her contract. Soojin subsequently began a solo career.
Garam — LE SSERAFIM
Kim Garam’s time with LE SSERAFIM was brief. She was placed on hiatus in 2022 after allegations concerning her school years emerged shortly after the group’s debut.
HYBE and Source Music later announced that her exclusive contract had been terminated and that LE SSERAFIM would continue as a five-member group.
Heeseung — ENHYPEN
Heeseung’s departure from ENHYPEN became another major K-pop line-up change, with BELIFT LAB announcing that he would leave the group and the agency.
The announcement prompted widespread discussion among fans because of his established role in the group and its music. ENHYPEN subsequently continued its activities with the remaining members.
Across generations of K-pop, member departures have repeatedly reshaped groups, affecting their line-ups, music and relationships with fans. While the circumstances differ from case to case, each exit has become part of the history surrounding the group involved.
Leave a Reply