Say it isn’t so! Laboum’s leader Yujeong (유정) has announced that she will be leaving her group, just a couple of weeks after the girls celebrated their seventh debut anniversary together!
The 29-year-old idol personally broke the news to her fans – lovingly referred to as Lattes -via a handwritten letter she uploaded on her Instagram last night (Tuesday, 7th September).
Check out her full letter (as translated by Soompi) below:
“Hello, this is Laboum’s leader Yujeong.
I am writing this because I have some news to share with everyone. For the fans who are cheering me on, I wanted to let them know directly rather than through a news article, so I’ve picked up my pen (and wrote this letter).
First of all, I can’t believe how much love our five-year-old song, ‘Journey to Atlantis’, has received. I want to say from the bottom of my heart that I’m really, really grateful. As it happened when it was almost time for my contract to expire, it felt like even more of a miracle.
Fast forward to 28th August, we’re in our eighth year now, and our seven-year exclusive contract with our agency has expired. I’ve been having lots of discussions with the agency since this past March, and I constantly shared my thoughts with them.
In the end, we have mutually decided to part ways. Apart from me, the other members have renewed their contracts and will continue to promote as a team. Our recent seventh anniversary marked my final time promoting with the team.
Somehow, I’ve found myself standing at a huge crossroads in this life that I’ve lived for 30 years. It requires a lot of deep thought and careful decisions, so ever since we took a break due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year, I’ve been thinking for over a year about many things and worrying and praying… It was difficult to come to this decision.
From August 2014, when Laboum debuted, up until August 2021. I am really grateful to our members, Soyeon, ZN, Haein, and Solbin, for standing by the team through the years. Although I was lacking, I shouldered the heavy responsibility of leading our team promotions as the leader and also as the oldest member, and worked hard without regrets for the past seven years.
There were many lonely and difficult moments, and there were times that I didn’t take care of myself and felt that I couldn’t pull through, but I never regretted the path that I’ve chosen. I loved the time I spent on stage, and every moment I was singing, I was happy. Thanks to Lattes who cheered us on without fail no matter what happened, I was able to take strength and get to where I am today.
Even if it was just a word in passing, I am grateful for the warm words, the comfort, and the support that I received from each and every person, including my acquaintances.
I will be closing the page on the life that I lived as the leader of Laboum. With gratitude deep in my heart for the many experiences that I have had until now, I will live a new life with a more mature image and continue to take on new challenges.
Please cheer on my future activities as Yujeong, and please cheer on the remaining Laboum members’ activities. I also thank the agency, NH EMG (Global H Media), who supported our many album promotions and for being with us.
Everyone, I hope to meet you again with good news and in good health. Thank you.”
Sending our biggest love and support to Yujeong. We wish you all the best on your future endeavours. <3
Source: Soompi.
