Pledis Entertainment officially announced the departure of Jang Gyuri from fromis_9 and the music label itself on Thursday, July 28. So, what's next for the nine-member girl group and the singer-actress herself?
Pledis' announcement came as a surprise to many. Though many don't see it coming, they have nothing but best wishes for Gyuri.
In a statement, via AllKpop, the company revealed that fromis_9 would become an eight-member group starting in August. Despite losing a member, the group would continue their Japanese activities and other schedules for the second half of the year.
So, what will happen to Gyuri? The 24-year-old idol will still be part of the group's fifth album, "from out Memento Box," but it will be her last promotional activity with the band as she's set to end her time as a fromis_9 member.
He contract will officially end on July 31 and she will begin a new journey in her career. The remaining eight members, Lee Sae Rom, Song Ha Young, Park Ji Won, Roh Ji Sun, Lee Seo Yeon, Lee Chae Young, Lee Na Gyung and Baek Ji Heon, alternatively, signed a new exclusive contract with Pledis after transferring with the label in August 2021.
At the time, Gyuri maintained the conditions of her original contract with her former agency, but Pledis was in charge of her projects, including her team management and individual activities.
Now, the artist herself and the company decided to part ways after careful consideration and discussions on "what would be the best path for everyone."
Gyuri debuted as a fromis_9 member in January 2018 after joining the Mnet survival show "Idol School." After a year, she started acting and was seen in "Dating Class."
Today, she's part of the upcoming K-drama "Cheer Up," opposite Han Ji Hyun, Lee Eun Saem and Bae In Hyuk. The show is a campus mystery rom-com about a group of youth who joins a college cheering squad, Theia, which is falling into ruins after its glorious days, per Soompi.
In the series, Gyuri will be playing the role of Tae Cho Hee, Theia's vice-captain. She will be seen as a cool and feisty character who is famous among men and women in the university.
She will be working with Park Jung Woo (In Hyuk). As a result-oriented person, she will be giving him pieces of advice to keep his balance. Gyuri will be seen on "Cheer Up" when the show drops in the second half of the year.
