K-pop idol Jiyoon leaves girl group Weeekly due to anxiety disorder

By Dong Sun-hwa

Weeekly's Jiyoon / Courtesy of IST Entertainment

Jiyoon of K-pop girl group Weeekly has decided to leave the team due to anxiety disorder, according to her management company, IST Entertainment, Wednesday.

“After Jiyoon showed symptoms of anxiety, she took a break twice last summer and this spring to focus on her recovery,” IST said in a statement. “We recently had a conversation with Jiyoon, her family and her psychiatrist to see if she could resume her singing career, but concluded that she should continue to focus on her treatment for the time being. So as of June 1, she has wrapped up her musical activity as a Weeekly member.”

The company added that Weeekly will perform as a six-piece act from now on.

“We truly apologize for fueling worries,” it said. “Please continue to support Jiyoon so that she can recover her bright and lovely energy. We will also appreciate it if you could give support to the remaining six members as well.”

Jiyoon, 20, debuted as part of Weeekly in 2020 with the EP, “We Are.” The rookie group, which is best known for its 2021 song, “After School,” released its latest EP, “Play Game: AWAKE” in March.