UPDATE: In a shocking announcement, Japanese girl group ME:I will undergo a significant lineup change just before the New Year. The agency, LAPONE GIRLS, revealed that the contracts for four members—Ran, Cocoro, Shizuku, and Kokona—will end on December 31, 2024, leaving the group with only seven remaining members.
This urgent news comes just days before the contract expiration, giving fans a mere two weeks to bid farewell to the departing members. LAPONE GIRLS expressed their regrets over the sudden decision but did not disclose details regarding the members’ final activities or the future of ME:I.
The timing of this announcement raises eyebrows, especially as earlier this year, Cocoro, Ran, and Shizuku had already paused their group activities due to health issues. In contrast, Kokona maintained her regular performance schedule with the group.
Fans are reeling from the news, with many speculating whether Shizuku’s previous rule-breaking incident, which was publicly addressed in an October statement, played a role in this restructuring. As the clock ticks down to the end of the year, the emotional toll on fans and members alike is palpable.
Authorities at LAPONE GIRLS have yet to clarify what this means for ME:I’s future promotions or the impact on their upcoming projects. Fans are left in the dark, anxiously awaiting further updates while grappling with the imminent departure of their beloved members.
As the situation develops, observers are keen to see how this will affect ME:I’s trajectory and the dynamics within the remaining seven members. The clock is ticking, and fans are urged to stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
