URGENT UPDATE: Just announced, Japanese girl group ME:I will undergo a major lineup change, leaving fans reeling just days before the New Year. LAPONE GIRLS, the group’s agency, confirmed that contracts for four members—Ran, Cocoro, Shizuku, and Kokona—will expire on December 31, 2024.
This shocking news, revealed on December 22, gives fans less than two weeks to bid farewell to the departing members. The sudden decision has sparked an outpouring of emotions, with many fans expressing their disappointment and confusion across social media platforms.
While LAPONE GIRLS has apologized for the abrupt announcement, details about the members’ final activities or the future direction of ME:I remain unclear. Fans are left anxiously awaiting further information about how the group will proceed with only seven remaining members.
Notably, three of the four departing members—Cocoro, Ran, and Shizuku—had previously paused their group activities earlier this year due to health issues. In contrast, Kokona continued to perform alongside the group. Speculations are circulating that Shizuku’s earlier rule-breaking incident, which surfaced in an October statement, may have played a role in the restructuring.
The developments mark a tumultuous time for ME:I, which debuted in April 2024 after being formed through the survival audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS. Fans are left wondering about the impact of this lineup change on the group’s identity and future promotions.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the year, ME:I supporters are keenly aware of the emotional weight of this situation. With the holidays approaching, many are questioning how the agency will honor the departing members and what this means for their beloved group moving forward.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available. The fate of ME:I hangs in the balance, and fans are eager to know what lies ahead for the remaining members and the future of this rising girl group.
