K-pop idols are expected to maintain a pristine image and avoid misbehaviour, including no ill-mannered conduct and engaging in illegal activities (obviously). Those who get in trouble are often forced to leave their groups – whether they get kicked out by the company or are to do so by fans.
Understandably, there have been idols who were removed from their groups after committing serious offences like sexual harassment. However, there have been stars who ended up leaving their teams for less serious issues – so much so that their departure raised questions about the sensitivity of K-pop fans and entertainment companies. Here’s a look at ten K-pop idols who fans say were wrongfully kicked out of their groups:
Seunghan/승한 (RIIZE/라이즈)
Seunghan left RIIZE in October 2024, just a day after announcing that he would return to the group following a months-long hiatus. The reason for his departure stemmed from his private photos getting leaked, depicting him kissing his then-girlfriend. Many OT6 fans argued that his past deemed him unsuitable for the group, thus bullying him into leaving RIIZE. Until now, many K-pop fans defend the 21-year-old, with many more BRIIZE hoping he would one day rejoin the boyband.
Jessica/제시카 (Girls’ Generation/소녀시대)
Jessica departed from Girls’ Generation in 2014, but her leave was never actually explained. Nevertheless, many fans believed she was wrongfully removed from the legendary K-pop girl group due to her venture into the fashion industry. There were also allegations that Jessica was forced out of the group she’s been with since 2007 by her company and group members. A decade later, Jessica has a successful solo career, which includes releasing a novel, going on tours and many television show appearances.
Jay Park/박재범 (2PM/투피엠)
One of the first scandals to hit second-gen K-pop was the removal of Jay Park from the K-pop group 2PM in 2009. The move stemmed from comments the star made during his trainee days – and while his words seemed scandalous back then, it’s pale compared to what some more notorious stars have said lately. Nevertheless, Jay Park left the group but later launched his solo career and formed AOMG, one of K-Hiphop’s biggest labels.
B.I/비아이 (iKON/아이콘)
B.I’s departure from iKON shocked iKONICs to the core as the rapper was a founding member of the group. However, he left the group in 2019 after there were reports that he attempted to purchase illegal substances. Authorities conducted a drug test on the idol, and the results came back negative – but by then, the rapper had long left iKON. Since then, B.I launched his solo career, garnering success with his albums, and he even launched his own company, 131.
Wonho/원호 (MONSTA X/몬스타엑스)
Wonho got his start on MONSTA X and was the first few members to join the group. Unfortunately, in 2020, there were rumours that Wonho abused illegal substances, prompting the singer to leave MONSTA X and Starship Entertainment. Investigations would reveal that the rumours were false, and Wonho was cleared of all allegations. While many still hope for his return MONSTA X, the singer has since made his solo debut under Starship’s subsidiary, Highline Entertainment.
Chuu/츄 (LOONA/이달의 소녀)
K-pop’s darling Chuu was shockingly expelled from her group LOONA in 2021, with the agency Blockberry Creative (BBC) citing abuse of power as the reason. This claim raised scepticism as Chuu has always been known for her kind personality. Fans soon realise the expulsion was the company’s way of “bullying” Chuu for her lawsuit against them. Chuu later won her lawsuit and ended her contract with BBC, with her 11 group mates following in her footsteps. All 12 members of LOONA have since re-debuted in different groups and as soloists.
Soojin/수진 ((G)-IDLE/(여자)아이들)
Soojin’s withdrawal from (G)-IDLE in 2021 came about after her former classmates alleged that she was a school bully. It’s worth noting that school bullying is a grave issue in South Korea, and the slightest allegation, even if false, can negatively affect one’s image. Authorities would later investigate the claims, discovering that Soojin was wrongfully accused and was a victim herself. Unfortunately, by then, the singer would have left her company and have since made her solo debut.
Kim Garam/김가람 (LE SSERAFIM/르세라핌)
Kim Garam’s departure from LE SSERAFIM after the group’s debut in 2022 also stemmed from accusations of school bullying. In addition, there were allegations that the teen engaged in underage drinking and smoking before her debut. Her company, Source Music, initially denied the allegations, even claiming that Garam was a victim of bullying. However, the company would later announce the termination of her contract, and LE SSERAFIM would remain a five-member group.
DAWN/던 (PENTAGON/펜타곤)
Rapper DAWN’s expulsion from his group PENTAGON and his company, Cube Entertainment, may be one of the few instances where a K-pop idol got kicked out for dating. DAWN announced his relationship with then-fellow label mate HyunA in August 2018. A month later, both stars were kicked out of the company, with Cube citing that they couldn’t maintain trust with the two. DAWN and Hyuna would continue to date and even got engaged until they split in 2022. Hyuna has since married former BEAST member JunHyung, sparking backlash from K-pop fans.
Daisy/데이지 (MOMOLAND/모모랜드)
Girl group MOMOLAND was formed through the 2016 survival show, “Finding MOMOLAND”. MOMOLAND was originally a nine-membered group but announced eliminated contestant Daisy as a new member, alongside Taeha. However, in 2020, Daisy dropped a bombshell, alleging the survival show was fraudulent and had manipulated votes. The group’s agency denied the claims, saying they would take legal action against Daisy. The singer would later leave the group, and MOMOLAND has since disbanded.
