K-Pop idols leave the industry for a variety of reasons: Contracts ending with their company, deciding to pursue other careers, health reasons, and an assortment of others. While some idols remain well-known in the Korean entertainment scene even after leaving their initial idol career, others seem to vanish entirely, sometimes for more mysterious or concerning reasons than others.
Here are 5 K-Pop idols who have seemingly completely disappeared from the Korean music industry, some with rather controversial stories.
1. Kahi (former After School)
Kahi originally debuted as the leader of After School in 2009 under Pledis Entertainment. Though the group originally had 5 members, the company decided to keep adding additional ones after their debut, and it ended up causing issues. Kahi was the one in charge of helping to teach the new members, but they called her “scary” on TV and she claimed that no one was on her side through the ordeal.
She ended up leaving the group voluntarily due to the tensions in 2012, with the company saying she had “graduated” from After School and would go on to pursue a solo and acting career. Unfortunately, however, netizens accused her of acting like a victim in the entire situation and potentially harming the image of other members remaining in the group.
These days, Kahi’s main focus seems to be on her family — including her two children — and her YouTube channel, KahiVibes, where she posts content about exercising and being healthy. Though she hasn’t released music since 2015, she seems to be thriving in her life, which is what matters in the end.
2. I/Cha Yoonji
Cha Yoonji, also known by the stage name I, is the younger sister of former B1A4 member Baro and originally debuted under WM Entertainment in 2017 with the single “I Wish”. A promising rookie, she was chosen to join the survival reality show The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project in October of the same year, but that was where the strange treatment of her started.
Despite earning a passing vote from every judge for the first round of auditions for the show, Yoonji didn’t appear on the first few episodes that showed the process of the auditions and, even when she was chosen as the center for one of the teams after progressing to the second round, she seemed to have barely any screen time.
Viewers noticed how little time she had on screen, and started calling her “The Ghost” of The Unit while demanding an explanation for her treatment. Without addressing the demands, WM Entertainment announced that Yoonji would be leaving The Unit due to health reasons, and in October of 2018, she ended her contract with her company without any further music releases. The mystery of her treatment on the survival show remains to this day.
3. L.Joe (former TEEN TOP)
L.Joe was known as one of the more popular members of TEEN TOP, which he debuted with in 2010 under TOP Media. As the visual and lead rapper, he gained a lot of attention for his skills and good looks, and was part of many well-received releases from the boy group.
He remained with TEEN TOP until 2017, when he announced he would be leaving the group in February. The announcement came as a surprise, and after he filed to terminate his contract with TOP Media, the reason for his departure was stated to be due to the company refusing to let him pursue a solo career. They allegedly also didn’t support him in his interest in pursuing acting more seriously as well.
These days, L.Joe goes by his birth name, Lee Byung-hun, and since leaving TOP Media he has starred in a number of dramas and movies while he focuses on his acting career. He seems to be doing well in his new pursuit, and he doesn’t appear to be planning on rejoining the K-Pop scene anytime soon.
4. G.Na
Originally meant to be the leader of Five Girls under Good Entertainment, the group never debuted due to financial issues with the company and G.Na ended up leaving and joining Cube Entertainment, under which she debuted in 2010.
At first, her career took off and she did very well, even earning the Rookie of the Month award at the Cyworld Music Awards in 2010 and releasing a duet with Rain earlier that year as well. Unfortunately, however, after a number of releases between her debut and 2015, G.Na was accused of “providing inappropriate services for money” in 2016 out of seemingly nowhere.
Though the scandal listed her as anonymous at first, Cube Entertainment removed her from their website, confirming rumors that it was her behind the accusations. After several police hearings and meetings with her lawyer, G.Na ended up needing to pay a fine of 2 million won — about $1,800 USD — and led to the termination of her contract with Cube Entertainment as well. Since then, she has been on indefinite hiatus and has even stated that she doesn’t plan on returning to the industry.
5. Dongho (former U-KISS)
Dongho debuted with U-KISS under NH Media in 2008 as the group’s rapper, vocalist, lead dancer, face of the group, and maknae. He was incredibly active in the group, appearing on various reality shows and other productions to help promote U-KISS.
His career with U-KISS lasted for five years, when in 2013, NH Media announced that he would be leaving the group. His reason for halting his idol career was stated to be due to the weakening of his health; he has stated that he realized he didn’t fit the mold of being an idol, and it was so difficult for him that he was seeing a psychiatrist while in U-KISS. In 2017, he also revealed that he was still taking sleeping pills and medication to help with depression.
Even after living quietly for two years, he caught media attention in 2015 when it was discovered that he was getting married, and ended up having a son together a year later. Sadly, the couple divorced in 2018, though he said it was mutual and there was no hostility between them. He has requested that he be allowed to live normally for the sake of his son, who he very clearly loves and cares very deeply for.
BTS‘s fandom, ARMY is filled with successful stans from John Cena to Lizzo. They also have whole corporations and businesses supporting them too! Most use their influence and verified status on social media to promote BTS (as they should).
Here are 15+ business accounts that are basically BTS stan accounts:
1. Bagel Bites
Perhaps one of the most popular business accounts among the ARMY Twitter community is Bagel Bites. They frequently tweet about BTS and even reply to BTS’s tweets from the brand account.
YALL I got my boss to let me change the name!!!!! STREAM DYNAMITE
Today, McDonald’s announced what will soon become one of the most legendary collabs of all time. Since the news of “BTS Meal,” McDonald’s has revealed themselves to be quite the ARMY.
Ever since MATTEL’s collaboration with BTS for their line of BTS dolls and BTS edition of UNO, both official accounts for MATTEL, UNO, Hot Wheels, and Barbie reply to other brand accounts with tweets related to BTS.
McDonald‘s just announced their new “signature order” collaboration with BTS. Now, the memes are rolling in! Check out 15+ of the funniest ones so far.
My local mcdonalds employee after they see me for the 7th time in an hour to get my bts photocard pic.twitter.com/qABLISpukd
— Ivona⁷ 81/90 zhongli will come home (@filterwh0re) April 19, 2021
5. So much for “fast” food
Mcdonalds drive through finna be looking like a BTS concert ticket waiting line and the if u order from door dash or uber eats the screen finna be looking like this pic.twitter.com/yCtIppYW18
if they really wanted to see tension mcdonalds should've pulled a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory except instead of a golden ticket every 777 order comes with an unseen photocard
Former CLC‘s Elkie recently held an exclusive interview with a Hong Kong newspaper, Mingpao. In the interview, she revealed the real reason for her departure from CUBE Entertainment and CLC.
Elkie claims that even though she had worked hard in order to debut, there were people that still criticized her despite her efforts. Although she would not call it discrimination due to her status as a foreigner, Elkie does acknowledge that she had fewer opportunities given to her compared to Koreans.
Although I was mentally prepared for a tough road ahead, a lot of unexpected things happened. I’m optimistic so I always say yes no matter what other people say, but some people called me fake.
— Elkie
When she first debuted, a composer allegedly told her she was “really dumb” and “totally useless” which brought her down. Elkie also called out the system for affecting her health.
The most extreme incident was when I couldn’t sleep for several days and wasn’t even able to remove my makeup. The longest time I’ve had dance practice was for 16 hours straight, from noon to late at night. I was so tired that I walked like a zombie.
— Elkie
Elkie also pointed out that CUBE Entertainment was not providing the appropriate resources for CLC, culminating in less than stellar results. In particular, Elkie calls the giving away of the song “La Vie en Rose” to IZ*ONE an opportunity that was taken away from the CLC girls. CLC had finished recording “La Vie en Rose” before it was given to IZ*ONE, with CLC releasing “NO” instead.
The song and opportunity that originally belonged to us were given to someone else and the situation felt so helpless. The 7 of us worked really hard, but the agency took away our opportunities. I think the agency was way too out of line. I feel so disappointed. CLC did not have releases frequently…sometimes it took a year to have a new song or album. When the agency said they will not give CLC any more resources, I thought there was no point for me to stay. As an artist I just wanted to meet with fans through my works. If nothing can be done, there’s nothing I can do to repay the fans, and I can’t accept that.
— Elkie
On the other hand, Elkie revealed that she still keeps in contact with the other CLC members and that they have a good relationship. She even offered for them to have a room at her place when they come to visit her in Mainland China.
Previously, Elkie had filed for a termination of her contract with CUBE Entertainment, resulting in her departure from the group.
Over her career, Girls’ Generation‘s Taeyeon has tried numerous hair colors, cuts, and styles. While many of them are unique and daring, Taeyeon has proved she can pull off any bold hairstyle!
Here are 10+ times Taeyeon proved she can pull off any hairstyle!
1. What Do I Call You?
Starting with her latest stunning hairstyle, Taeyeon proves she looks stunning in anything.
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
Taeyeon first showed off this hairstyle in the photos her What Do I Call You? album. I think it’s safe to say everyone can call Taeyeon gorgeous with this hairstyle.
| SMTOWN/YouTube
2. This short cut and colored tips!
This look of Taeyeon definitely made some heads turn. It’s definitely a bold style that Taeyeon pulls off too well!
| SMTOWN/YouTube
3. Slick and sexy!
This slick and middle-parted hair shows how Taeyeon’s immense duality. One moment she’s sporting a cute bob and suddenly she’s rocking a totally fierce look!
4. It’s hard to believe someone can be this beautiful!
Taeyeon’s beauty is unreal and with her soft colored ends, she looks absolutely majestic!
5. These bangs!
Bangs that sit above the eyebrow are always a brave cut to try. While some people have trouble making them work, Taeyeon looks effortlessly lovely in them.
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
6. Isn’t this the coolest?
Okay, by now you’ve learned Taeyeon is the queen of colored ends. I think everyone was stunned when Taeyeon showed off this look!
7. Those butterflies!
Taeyeon’s having butterflies in her hair might be the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.
8. She can always rock cute buns in her hair
Taeyeon is always showing off the cutest hairstyles and these space buns are simply adorable!
| SM Entertainment
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
9. Pink is definitely her color
As if she wasn’t pretty enough, Taeyeon went and colored her hair to a pretty pink and blew everyone away.
The pink looks cool even in a ponytail!
10. Yup, she’s even had green ends as well!
Taeyeon has colored her hair several colors it’s hard to keep track! This cute look is from Girls’ Generation’s “The Boys” era!
| SMTOWN/YouTube
11. Is she even real?
Taeyeon’s beauty is out of this world and with her cute braids and unique hair color, it’s evident Taeyeon is unreal! Absolutely gorgeous.
12. Let’s not forget natural black hair!
Yes, Taeyeon looks amazing in her cool hairstyles and colors, but she also looks lovely with her natural black hair.
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
13. Who else loved this cut?
While many were shocked at Taeyeon’s super short cut, many also loved how well she pulled it off! This haircut is definitely a crowd favorite.
| JTBC
| SM Entertainment
14. Queen of short hair
While this haircut is a little longer than her cut in #11, Taeyeon still looks too cute!
| SM Entertainment
15. She’s got a hairdo for every occasion
While she’s not actually going to play tennis, she could definitely win some matches with that cute hairstyle
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
16. How can you not love her?
Taeyeon always has the prettiest looks! It’s hard to take your eyes off her and those strands of color in her hair.
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
17. It’s not a fairy, it’s Taeyeon!
Taeyeon’s fairy-like visuals will have you guessing if it’s an actual fairy or Taeyeon.
| SM Entertainment
18. Always looking good in a bun!
Not only does she look great in a simple bun but she also can pull off cute accessories this flower and headband!
| @taeyeon_ss/Instagram
19. Taeyeon and braids are the perfect combinations
With her shining blonde hair and long braids, Taeyeon looked like an angel/fairy at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards!
20. She still looks great!
Though the colors she has dyed her hair are beautiful, Taeyeon once had to cut a part of her hair because of the damaged frequent bleaching caused. Regardless, fans assured her she still looked cute and she sure did!
If you love BTS and McDonald‘s then this surprise collaboration is for you!
| @bts_bighit/Twitter
Today, McDonald’s announced a new “The BTS Meal” that will be available starting next month. To celebrate, the official McDonald’s Twitter account released a teaser image of French fries in the shape of BTS’s shield logo. A BTS “7” and a purple heart emoji were also added to the account’s profile.
The meal, which McDonald’s describes as a “one-of-a-kind menu ‘tour'” is part of McDonald’s celebrity “signature orders” program that kicked off in 2020. Although BTS is not the first celebrity to participate in the program, they are the first to have their order made available around the world.
What’s on the menu? The BTS Meal will contain a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium World Famous Fries, and medium Coke. Sweet Chili and Cajun dipping sauces, inspired by recipes from McDonald's in South Korea, will also be included.
In a statement, BTS’s agency, Big Hit Music, said, “The band has great memories with McDonald's. We're excited about this collaboration and can't wait to share the BTS Meal with the world."
The BTS Meal will be served in the US starting on May 26. McDonald’s has promised fans regular updates about the collaboration on Twitter (@mcdonalds) and “even more surprises” to come. Until then, check out what the McDonald’s Twitter admin is up to, UK ARMY’s reaction to the news, or these hilarious memes!
McDonald‘s upcoming collaboration with BTS will be kicking off in dozens of countries next month…but not in the United Kingdom. McDonald’s UK will, sadly, not be taking part in this promotion.
Shortly after the news broke and memes took over Twitter, UK ARMYs began trending “NOT IN THE UK” to vent. After all, no one wants to be left out of the fun!
I CANT DEAL WITH THIS MCDONALDS YOU HAVE MUGGED THE UK OFF HERE I AM TAKING THIS VERY PERSONALLY I BUY A SMARTIES MCFLURRY ALMOST EVERY WEEK AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT ME?? pic.twitter.com/xwObku3lRT
I will be personally striking from all U.K. McDonald's until they say they are doing the BTS meal. for the U.K. not to be included in the roll out is RIDICULOUS AND THE INJUSTICE SHALL NOT STAND @McDonalds@McDonaldsUKpic.twitter.com/DFJ2tUq4W7
McDonald’s upcoming collaboration with BTS, “The BTS Meal,” has sparked hilarious tweets, memes, and wildin’ interactions on Twitter. Naturally, BTS’s “business stans” didn’t want to miss out on the action! Here are 15 verified accounts that can’t wait to hit McDonald’s drive-thru!
BTS | @bts_bighit/Twitter
1. Hell’s Kitchen wants a taste of heaven.
2. Hop in! Waze is driving.
3. Guinness World Records is going on record as a true fan.
4. UNO isn’t playing games.
5. Semrush brought the receipts.
6. Barbie’s swerving out of her lane.
7. Entertainment Tonight is bringing the popcorn?
8. Bagel Bites stans OT7.
9. Deezer’s just keeping an eye on things…
10. …but Walmart’s all about the fries.
11. Hot Wheels is coming to a drive-thru near you.
12. Don’t toy with Sun-Maid’s emotions!
13. Samsung’s here to stan their brand ambassadors.
On April 19, JYP Entertainment issued a statement regarding DAY6's activities for their newest album, The Book of Us: Negentropy.
| @day6official/Twitter
First, we would like to sincerely thank My Day, who have always cherished DAY6. Because the fans had waited a long time for a full group album from DAY6, the members were able to do their best and complete production on this new album.
It would have been best if all of the DAY6 members could have met My Day through group promotions, but as you know, leader Sungjin is unable to participate due to his enlistment in the military. As a result, there are several unavoidable difficulties with the group activities for this album.
We regret to share such unfortunate news with My Day, but we felt that it would be more meaningful to show DAY6 as a full group. After long and in-depth discussions with the members, it was decided they would be taking a break from group activities for this album.
The agency will continue to actively support DAY6 as a group, as well as the members who work hard on their individual activities. Once again, we ask for the understanding of My Day.
—JYP Entertainment
| @day6official/Twitter
Back in May 2020, DAY6 temporarily suspended group activities due to health concerns. In August 2020, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon formed the subunit Even of Day. Therefore, this is the first full group album DAY6 has had since May, making fans eager to see them again.
Although they will not be promoting, we can still enjoy their music video over and over!
2020 is wild but I'm glad it has its wholesome weirdness moments, too. 
idk
'Cause I, I, I'm in the stars tonight 
– Sasha
(@btsarmy2018x) 
(@korejoons) 
sora day 
(@Iovsforjmn) 
(@mullettaegi) 
(@Jennife45130880) 
(@Ateezsanfanboy) 
⁷ (@BANGTANUK) 
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