Youngseo Exits Group as Belift Lab Announces Mutual Termination of Exclusive Contract

Courtesy of Belift Lab

I’ll-It, the upcoming girl group under Hybe's subsidiary Belift Lab, will debut with five members instead of the previously announced six. The modification in the lineup follows the departure of member Youngseo, as disclosed by Belift Lab on the fan communication platform Weverse on Friday.

In an official statement, Belift Lab stated, "Following in-depth discussions about future activities, Belift Lab and Youngseo have come to a mutual agreement to terminate the exclusive contract." The agency added, "I’ll-It will be debuting as a five-member group. We are committed to fully supporting I’ll-It’s debut and subsequent engagements." 

▲ Courtesy of Belift LabI’ll-It originally comprised six finalists from JTBC's K-pop idol survival program, "R U Next?" The remaining members are Wonhee, Minju, Iroha, Moka, Yuna, and Younseo. Youngseo, who was the second-most popular trainee among the 22 participants in the program, has left the group.

Fans expressing disappointment on Weverse shared sentiments such as, "She is the reason I started watching 'R U Next?' and why I kept looking forward to their debut. I’ll still support the group but always miss Youngseo." Another post reads, "Youngseo was one of my top picks from 'R U Next?' I am going to miss her so much."

Belift Lab emphasized that the decision was mutual and made after careful consideration, urging against unwarranted speculations or misunderstandings. I’ll-It is scheduled to debut in the first half of this year.

Sayart 

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