Minzy to leave 2NE1

A message celebrating Minzy’s birthday posted on YG Life on Jan. 18 / Courtesy of YG Entertainment

By Kim Jae-heun

Minzy, a member of the popular girl group 2NE1, has left the band but it will continue without a replacement, YG Entertainment announced Tuesday.

“YG Entertainment has met 2NE1 members individually in January for the renewal of their contracts prior to the May 5 expiration date and delivered the company’s willingness to keep 2NE1 going. However, we were not able to share the same thoughts with Minzy,” stated YG Entertainment on its official blog “YG LIFE.”

Minzy joined the entertainment company 11 years ago and debuted as a member of 2NE1 in 2009, along with rapper CL and singers Park Bom and Dara. The group was an exceptional success, with its first two recordings winning “Song of the Year” awards at Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in 2009 and 2011. MAMA is one of Asia’s biggest music awards ceremonies presented by CJ E&M, Korea’s leading entertainment and media company.

However, 2NE1 stopped its group activities when singer Park Bom was embroiled in a drug-smuggling scandal two years ago. CL resigned her contract with YG Entertainment as a soloist last year and focused on her activities in North America, while Dara consistently appeared on TV.

A rumor about Minzy’s departure resurfaced when she erased 2NE1 from her official Instagram name, then closed down the account. Yang Hyun-seok, the chief producer and founder of YG Entertainment, denied the group’s break-up then.

Minzy is reportedly seeking a new entertainment company.