Juri Leaves Rocket Punch for Personal Reasons — What’s Next for the Group?

Despite her five years of dedication to Rocket Punch, Woollim Entertainment announced Juri’s withdrawal from the group, causing them to express regret.

On May 24, the agency of fourth-generation girl group Rocket Punch, Woollim Entertainment, announced the unfortunate news of Juri’s departure from the group.

On this day, the label issued an official statement stating that the Japanese member’s contract terms were different compared to those of her remaining co-members.

Juri Leaves Rocket Punch for THIS Reason— What's Next for Group? — Juri Leaves Rocket Punch for THIS Reason— What’s Next for Group? (Photo : Juri (News1))

Announcement of Rocket Punch Jury contract termination https://t.co/DgfgKQF6lu pic.twitter.com/GFkOYpofLp

— Rocket Punch (@RocketPunch) May 24, 2024

According to Woollim, it was stated that:

“Hello, This is Woollim Entertainment. We would like to express our gratitude to fans who always send endless love and support to our artists.

Rocket Punch member JURI, who has been with us for the past time, is a foreign member and has a different contract period with the members.

As of today (24th), she has terminated her management contract with us. However, we will continue to support each other’s future wherever we are.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to JURI, who has been with us for a long time, and also to the fans who have always shown their unwavering love.”

Specifically, the typical length of a contract for K-pop idols in South Korea is 7 years, however, Juri’s contract with them is only for a period of 5 years.

Sadly, the female idol chose not to renew her contract, indicating her eagerness to pursue new opportunities in different industries. It is currently uncertain whether she will pursue her career independently or join a different agency. Fans are also wondering if she will remain in Korea for work or return to Japan.

Despite Juri’s departure, Rocket Punch expressed their intention to continue as a five-member group consisting of Yeonhee, Suyun, Yunkyoung, Sohee, and Dahyun.

In the meantime, Juri Takahashi gained recognition as a Japanese idol when she joined the popular girl group AKB48 in 2011. She was a member of the 12th generation and held the position of captain for Team 4 until 2017 and Team B until 2019.

In 2018, she began her career in South Korea by participating in Mnet’s girl group survival audition show, “Produce 48”. Despite not making it into the debut lineup of IZ*ONE, her exceptional idol skills and charming personality earned her an impressive rank of No. 16 at the finale.

Following her appearance on the show, Juri was scouted by Woollim Entertainment. She then graduated from AKB48 in 2019 and made her debut in Korea as Rocket Punch in August of the same year.

However, once five years had passed, her contract with Woollim came to an end and she was required to depart from the team.