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Why is Jang Gyuri leaving fromis_9? Heartbroken fans say 'they should always be nine'

Pledis Entertainment announced that July 31 will mark Jang Gyuri's final day as a member of fromis_9

While it is not unforeseen for K-pop idols to exit groups and start their solo careers, fans of these idols are oftentimes left heartbroken by sudden regrouping in K-pop collectives. Be it Oh My Girls' Jihyo or Apink's Naeun or Le Sserafim's Garam, 2022 has already seen many K-pop group exits from active idols all due to various reasons. Usually, when an active group has certain members whose contracts expire with one label, these artists choose to sign with a new label.

In other cases, idols renew their contracts with the former label as they continue their careers in the groups they made their idol debut with. But, in certain instances, idols are left with no such choice and so is the case for Pledis Entertainment girl group fromis_9's Jang Gyuri. On July 28, the idol actress shocked fans announcing that she was going to leave the girl group fromis_9 and that the nine-member girl group was going to be reorganized into an eight-member collective.

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fromis_9 to regroup as 8 members

Pledis Entertainment, the label that manages the activities of fromis_9 made the announcement stating that the girl group was now going to be reorganized into an eight-member system with all members but Gyuri (Gyu-ri) continuing their journey as a part of the girl group. The label also added that the active eight members of fromis_9 will soon meet fans with various activities alongside a Japanese comeback in the second half of 2022. Pledis also reported that Gyuri, who was a part of fromis_9's recent comeback album, 'From our Memento Box' will soon be halting her promotions from the end of this month.

Jang Gyuri departs from fromis_9

The label announced that July 31 will mark Gyuri's final day as a member of fromis_9. In their statement about Jang Gyuri's exit from the label, it was reported that Gyuri wanted to start on a fresh path for the future. Back when the girl group had been transferred from Off the Record Entertainment (a subsidiary of their debut label - Stone Music Entertainment), to Pledis Entertainment (a sub-label under HYBE), all the other eight fromis_9 members had signed on new contracts based on new terms with Pledis.

However, Gyuri was the only member of the girl group whose contract was based on the same terms that were signed with Off the Record Entertainment. Pledis Entertainment informed fans that after having a long discussion with Gyuri about what suits best for both the label as well as Gyuri, it was decided that it will be best for the singer to part ways with the girl group as well as the label. On the other hand, there is no possible confirmation about Gyuri's future activities so far but it is likely that she signs on with a new label in the days to come.

'fromis_9 will always be nine'

Fans are sharing their disappointment with the sudden news of Gyuri's exit from the girl group fromis_9 which was always made of nine members. One fan said, "No im not going to say any farewell, Gyuri is still with us and will always be. Until the day when she will eventually comeback here, sit down, turn a broadcast live and say hi to flover again. All of my love is for fromis_9, and will always be nine member of them."

One fan plainly stated, "Fromis_9 is nine." Another fan said, "How can it be an eight member group.. it is fromis_9.. NINE." A fan said, "Fromis_9 not being nine is so heartbreaking." One fan said, "This still feel like a dream, gyuri always the one who works the hardest since debut from PD48 to her acting career and always did her best to promote fromis_9. Whatever her decision, flover need to support and respect it. We will always love you and fromis_9 will always be nine."