On November 25, Blockberry Creative announced on the group LOONA's fancafe, that they will move forward in removing member Chuu (Kim Ji Woo) from the group. In the statement, the company accuses Chuu of verbally abusing staff, in which they have apologized to them.
Hello. This is Blockberry Creative.
The Company is announcing that it has determined to expel and remove the Company-managed artist Chuu (birth name Kim Ji-woo) from the membership of LOONA effective today, November 25, 2022.
Many stories have circulated this year regarding LOONA’s Chuu, but the Company and the LOONA members have gone through this time without expressing any perspective on the matter in order to avoid causing problems, out of concern for the group’s development and the worry of fans.
This was a heartfelt expression of the LOONA members’ affection towards the team and care towards the fans, intending to do their best to show only good appearances through performance and contents, rather than speak to what is true or not.
However, recently there have been reports of abuse of power, including verbal abuse, by Chuu towards Company staff. Investigation has confirmed the veracity of these reports; Company leadership is currently apologizing and offering consolation to the staff, and the Company has decided to take responsibility by expelling Chuu from LOONA.
Firstly, the Company would like to formally apologize to the staff who have suffered great hurt from this matter, will put forth its best effort so that they are able to focus on recovery and treatment, and will do everything in its power to help them return to normal routine.
To the fans who have loved and supported LOONA, we would like to apologize, and with deep contrition seek your forgiveness for the fact that not all 12 were able to stay together through the end.
Going forward, the Company and LOONA will return to a humble mindset and do our best so that nothing like this may happen again. The LOONA members have never worked solely for their personal profit or gain, and because they know the gratitude owed to the fans who have helped them get to today, they have done nothing that would burden the team. We will complete the race and be sure to repay the love of all who cheer for LOONA.
In addition, we and the LOONA members will act gratefully with all respect towards all our staff and not forget our sense of gratitude. We will strive to repay the sacrifices and dedication of our artists and staff that such an incident will never happen again. We once again bow our heads and apologise to the staff and the fans for causing you trouble due to this situation.
Meanwhile, fans are trending "LOONA IS TWELVE" and "WeLoveYouChuu" in response to the news as they view it as a smear campaign against the idol as there is no revealed evidence as of now.
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