UPDATE: Fans of the Japanese girl group ME:I are reeling after LAPONE GIRLS announced major lineup changes that will impact the group before the end of the year. On December 22, 2024, the agency confirmed that contracts for four members—Ran, Cocoro, Shizuku, and Kokona—will expire on December 31, 2024. This leaves the group with just seven remaining members, sparking an emotional outcry from dedicated fans who are now racing against time to say goodbye.
The sudden announcement gives fans less than two weeks to prepare for the departures of these beloved members, creating a sense of urgency among the group’s supporters. LAPONE GIRLS has issued an apology for the abrupt news but has not revealed details regarding the members’ final activities or the future of ME:I.
Earlier in the year, three of the departing members—Cocoro, Ran, and Shizuku—stepped back from group activities due to health concerns, while Kokona continued to perform with the group. Speculation is rife that Shizuku‘s previous disciplinary issues, highlighted in an October statement, may have influenced the agency’s decision to restructure the group.
Fans are left in shock as they scramble to process the news, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and sadness. The impending changes have ignited discussions about the future of ME:I and the potential impact on their upcoming projects and promotions.
As the clock ticks down to December 31, 2024, fans and industry observers alike are waiting to see how this will affect the group’s dynamics and their upcoming endeavors. What remains unclear is how LAPONE GIRLS plans to fill the gap left by the departing members and what the new lineup will look like moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings as they navigate this unexpected change in the ME:I lineup.
