Gong Minzy leaves girl group 2NE1

MANILA, Philippines – The youngest member of 2NE1, Gong Minzy, will no longer be part of the Korean girl group. On Monday, April 4, YG Entertainment, which handles the career of the group, confirmed the news.

Here’s part of YG’s statement posted on the website Soompi.

“YG’s contract with 2NE1 expires on May 5, 2016. Last January, we had individual face-to-face talks with each member regarding renewing their contracts and showed our desire for the group to reform. Unfortunately, Gong Minzy did not feel the same.

“Having to say goodbye to a colleague who has been with us since she was a trainee for 11 years is really difficult. However, we fully understand and respect Gong Minzy’s position as the group had to suddenly halt promotions two years ago. Thus, it is true that we feel more sorry rather than feeling unsatisfied.”

According the statement, YG had a meeting with the remaining 3 members, who asked if the band was disbanding. Yang Hyun Suk, head of the company said that 2NE1 will continue with 3 members, and that there will be no new members brought in to replace Minzy. 

“I want to protect 2NE1 until the end no matter what. When it gets difficult, let’s gather together and be strong and overcome this,” said Hyun Suk.

Without Minzy, 2NE1 is now composed of Sandara Park, who rose to fame in the Philippines in 2004; Chaelin Lee known as CL, the group’s leader; and Park Bom. 

2NE1 was formed in 2009 and has since won awards and released albums in both Korean and Japanese. – Rappler.com