FNC Entertainment recently announced that AOA member Youkyung is no longer part of the agency's roster of talents. The idol exited the agency following the expiration of her contract, the agency confirmed.
In an official statement released by the agency on AOA's official fan café, it was revealed that both parties failed to arrive at a conclusion with respect to her contract, Allkpop reported. However, Youkyung will continue to play as AOA's drummer and participate in future band projects as a honorary member.
"We'd like to thank all you fans who've encouraged Youkyung, and we ask that you give your love and support to Youkyung, who will be setting off on a new start ahead as well as to the members of AOA," FNC concluded their statement.
Meanwhile, Youkyung herself addressed the matter of her exit from FNC Entertainment. The singer confirmed that she's going to continuing playing with AOA as the band's drummer.
"I haven't really had many promotions with them, and this post is not a final goodbye, but I do feel sad about the AOA members, who I've been together with since my late teens to now, when I'm 24, and also thinking about greeting and cheering the people who have always helped us," Youkyung wrote on AOA's fan café, according to Allkpop.
She was with FNC Entertainment for five years before her contract expired. She debuted as a member of the group in 2012. However, the group's transition from a band to a girl group saw her participation in the group decrease. Her last promotional activity with AOA was for the song "Moya" in 2013.
AOA leader Jimin took to Instagram to respond to Youkyung's departure. She posted a photo of all eight members, including Youkyung, and captured it "AOA," indicating that there is no bad blood between the members of the group.
