MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / K-POP NEWS

Denise announces exit from K-pop girl group Secret Number with special gift for fans

After being on a hiatus for almost 15 months, Denise announces her exit from the K-pop girl group Secret Number

It's been two years since their debut, so Secret Number (stylized in all caps) is a rookie band in every aspect. The six-member girl group from the label Vine Entertainment originally made their debut in September of 2020 as five-member group and now, a member from the original line-up, Denise, has announced her exit, citing irreconcilable differences with the label. Denise who was already MIA since September of 2021 has now announced her exit from Secret Number, leaving the group with six members, two of whom joined in October 2021.

Back in September 2021, it was announced that Denise would take a break from her promotional activities as a member of Secret Number due to issues pertaining to her contract negotiations. While the details of the clash were never made public, Denise herself shared the news of her exit, both from the label, Vine Entertainment, and the group Secret Number, via a message shared on her personal Instagram account. As a parting gift to fans of the group who loved and supported her during the journey, Denise posted a cover of the song, ‘You Were Beautiful’ by Day6 on her YouTube channel.

READ MORE

Kep1er fans have only good things to say about TikToker DanceKang’s cover of ‘WA DA DA’

Secret Number's 'Fire Saturday' music video crosses 2 million views within 24 hours

Denise departs from Secret Number and Vine Entertainment

On February 5, Denise took to her official Instagram account to post a saddening update for fans of Secret Number. In her post, she released her statement in Korean as well as English, announcing her departure. In her post, she revealed that her contract with Vine Entertainment had ended as of February 1, 2022. She also apologized to Lockeys (Secret Number fans) who had been hoping she would return to the group, once the contract negotiations were over.

She stated that “After debuting as a member of Secret Number in May 2020, I’ve made such precious memories together with Lockey.” She also thanked fans for all the love she has received as well as for all the attention they gave her when she was on hiatus. Denise said, “Although I will not be able to see you as a member of Secret Number anymore, I will always support my members.” She ended her statement with the hope that Lockey will also continue to support her even as she parts ways with the group.

Denise shares song cover as 'gift for fans'

As a parting gift for fans to remember her until she starts her future activities, Denise shared an Instagram story linked to a YouTube video where she is heard performing the Day6 single, ‘You Were Beautiful’ as a final way to part ways with fans as well as cherish the fond memories she had made with the members of Secret Number. She also shared a few images of herself with the remaining members of the group as she bid farewell to fans and members.

The girl group Secret Number initially debuted as five members in May of 2020 with their single album, ‘Who Dis?’. They made their comeback soon after in November of 2020 with their second single album, ‘Got That Boom’. After this, the group went on a hiatus until September of 2021 when Denise announced her hiatus. Then in October 2021, two new members joined Secret Number as they released their third single album, ‘Fire Saturday’ which Denise did not take part in.

'Won't be the same without Denise'

Fans are angry with Vine Entertainment as they failed to release a statement regarding Denise's exit from the group and how they disregarded her by adding new members to the group soon after her hiatus. One fan said, "Secret Number will never the same without Denise as OT5. Good luck to them though and to new members." Another fan said, "No offense to new members. But tbh new mmb of secret number didnt give much impact to the group color. Probably if they stay as 4 would be better, but the problem is they dont have the main vocal. Tbh, denise vocal gives good color to the grp but yeah, i think she deserves better."

One more Lockey said, "I get to know secret number because of denise, but end up loving soodam. secret number will forever 5N attached to my heart. even tho there's new 2 members I will continue loving and supporting denise & secret number in the future." Another fan said, "After denise left secret number’s chemistry and vibe changed and i wouldn’t call myself a lockey anymore tbh. i just can’t vibe with the new line up. my new bias is zuu but overall there’s something that i can’t name which keeps me back from stanning. i still support them tho." Another fan pointed, "The way denise just announced herself that she no longer a member of secret number and still there’s no company statement."