On September 8th KST, Yujeong, leader of the girl group LABOUM, revealed news of her departure through a heartfelt letter on her personal Instagram.
The singer explained that she has been in discussion with company Global H Media since March, eventually coming to the decision to not renew her contract and part ways with the agency and group after seven years. Her now-former LABOUM members Soyeon, ZN, Haein, and Solbin have renewed their contracts and will continue on as a quartet.
Earlier this year, LABOUM experienced a resurgence of popularity when their 2016 release “Journey To Atlantis” was covered by project group MSG Wannabe on the reality show “How Do You Play?”
The song rose up the charts, reaching the top spot on streaming platform Bugs! and on the Melon real-time chart. The group even started promoting the song again through various programs, as well as a performance of “Journey To Atlantis” on MBC’s “Show! Music Core” in their original outfits— a treat for longtime fans.
The handwritten letter also expressed the deep gratitude Yujeong feels for LABOUM’s fans (called “Latte”) who have shown her and the group unwavering love and support over the past seven years.
Read the full letter below:
Hello, I’m LABOUM’s leader, Yujeong.
Yujeong (former LABOUM leader)
I wrote this because I had news to deliver to many people.
To the fans who support us, I held up a pen because I wanted to let you know first through my writing, not an article.
First of all, I really couldn’t believe that you loved LABOUM’s “Journey To Atlantis,” a song that is 5 years old, and I really want to say thank you.
It was even more of a dreamlike miracle because the contract period was about to expire.
It’s already past August 28th.. Now we are in our 8th year, our 7-year exclusive contract with the agency has expired.
From March this year, I and the company had many conversations and I continued to convey my thoughts to them.
In the end, the company and I decided to go our separate ways. Apart from me, the rest of the members decided to renew their contracts and continue their activities as a team.
My team activities will end after this 7th anniversary.
As the planned album activities continues to get postponed, the last schedule we filmed together for the Ministry of Environment has become my last before the contract expired.
Standing in front of a big crossroads in my 30 years of life, I had to think deeply and make careful choices. Since last years break due to COVID-19, I’ve really really been thinking and worrying and praying a lot.. it was a difficult decision to make.
When LABOUM came to be.. From August 2014 to August 2021, I’m very grateful to our members Soyeon, ZN, Haein, and Solbin, who have protected the team for 7 years in their respective positions until now.
Although I was lacking, I have always worked hard without shame for the past seven years with a heavy sense of responsibility to lead the team’s activities well as the eldest sister and leader.
There were many lonely and difficult moments, and there were times when I couldn’t bear it because I couldn’t even take good care of myself, but I’ve never regretted the path I walked. The time on stage was good, and the moment I sang I was happy.
Thanks to “Latte,” who always supports us no matter what, we were able to cheer up and be where we are today.
Even if it was a word in passing, I would like to thank each and every one of my acquaintances for giving me warm words, encouraging and supporting me.
My life as a leader of LABOUM has come to an end, and I’m deeply grateful for all the experiences I’ve had.
I’ll become more mature and live a new life, I’m going to continue to move forward with a new challenge.
I would appreciate it if you could support me a lot in the future.
And please support the rest of LABOUM members.
I would also like to express my gratitude to company NH EMG (Global H Media) for supporting our many album activities and working with us for the past 7 years.
Then, everyone, I hope to see you again in good health with good news soon.
Thank you.
We wish Yujeong all the very best in the next chapter of her life and career! Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1 or leaving us a comment on Facebook and Instagram!
Justin is a K-pop fan from Australia who is passionate about shining a light on underrated and lesser known groups and artists. A lover of all types of music, devoted television drama and soap opera fan, and part-time video game nerd.
MEDIA: Global H Media