On November 15, 2023, South Korean media outlet News1 reported that (now former) BABYMONSTER member Ahyeon had quit the girl group for “personal reasons.” YG Entertainment later confirmed the report on the same day, with a source from the agency saying that BABYMONSTER will be debuting with 6 members, instead of 7.
“BABYMONSTER will be debuting as a six-member group with Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita. After careful discussion, it was decided that Ahyeon, who had prepared together [with BABYMONSTER], will be focusing on getting rest for the mean time due to health reasons.”
The source later added, “Although we are saddened to be unable to introduce Ahyeon as a member of BABYMONSTER, we made this decision for the sake of the artist’s health. We will spare no support so that Ahyeon can recover fully and return in good health.” YG Entertainment also made it clear that Ahyeon is still a member of BABYMONSTER, and will just sit out of their debut promotions.
The news of Ahyeon sitting out of promotions comes days after the agency confirmed the girl group’s debut date—on November 27, 2023. It also came after the first teaser image of member Asa was released by YG Entertainment.
Fans were saddened by the news of Ahyeon’s absence from the group’s debut but still sent their regards and concerns for the artist’s health. The hashtag “#AhyeonComebackHealthier” also trended on X (formerly Twitter).
YG Entertainment confrims that #Ahyeon is still a member of #BABYMONSTER, but will not participate in their debut. pic.twitter.com/s6jjAaJFSI
— GLOBALMYEON (@globalmyeon) November 16, 2023
JUNG AHYEON YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS
pic.twitter.com/5ofFu1Qy32— BABYMONSTER PICS (@picbaemon) November 15, 2023
THIS IS AHYEON FROM BABYMONSTER pic.twitter.com/bjP7hsB9hE
— BABYMONSTER PICS (@picbaemon) November 15, 2023
https://twitterx.com/rukasahyeon/status/1724670505423450173?s=20
https://twitter.com/iamiamz_/status/1724668276612235266?s=20
YG confirmed that the rumors of member Ahyeon's withdrawal were not true, but stated, "she will focus on rest due to health reasons, and BABYMONSTER would remain as the existing 7-membered group.
🔗https://t.co/o5Bt7VJapu#BABYMONSTER #베이비몬스터 @YGBABYMONSTER_ pic.twitter.com/1YlhVlNhup
— BABYMONSTER GLOBAL ♭ (@BABYMONGLOBAL) November 16, 2023
baemon stans yesterday baemon stans today#BABYMONSTER @YGBABYMONSTER_ pic.twitter.com/Mezx1yu33t
— rec ♭ is seeing itzy again ! (@ouroraies) November 16, 2023
baemon stans yesterday baemon stans today#BABYMONSTER @YGBABYMONSTER_ pic.twitter.com/Mezx1yu33t
— rec ♭ is seeing itzy again ! (@ouroraies) November 16, 2023
#THROWBAEK : Iconic 'Charlie Puth – Dangerously' covered by #AHYEON
GET WELL SOON AHYEON#AhyeonComebackHealthier@YGBABYMONSTER_ #BABYMONSTER #베이비몬스터 pic.twitter.com/4GRJJx91jT
— BABYMONSTER GLOBAL ♭ (@BABYMONGLOBAL) November 15, 2023
Idk what to feel but I just want my girl to be okay and be healthy 😢#BABYMONSTER #AHYEON pic.twitter.com/dTSaH0rqZl
— nisha ♭ (@baemonhour) November 15, 2023
at the end of the day JUNG AHYEON had more successful career than %70 of the idols in the industry and made whole stan twt talk abt her with just an article queenhyeon has the last laugh i guess
GET WELL SOON AHYEON#AhyeonComebackHealthier
— milena ୨୧ (@llgelyez) November 15, 2023
#AHYEON does not leave the Group and remains a member of #BABYMONSTER#AhyeonComebackHealthier #베이비몬스터@YGBABYMONSTER_ pic.twitter.com/ynUAbceL18
— BABYMONSTER Charts (@ChartBabymonste) November 15, 2023
to the person i love the most, i'm praying for your fast recovery. pls know that i will always be here waiting for you no matter how long it takes! i love you sm 🤍
GET WELL SOON AHYEON#AhyeonComebackHealthier#AHYEON #BABYMONSTER pic.twitter.com/Zh9tzIA4TD
— eve (@ahyeonbear) November 16, 2023
we're devastated to hear the news ahyeon had an amazing future ahead of her but it's never too late we hope she recovers soon and comes back healthier & stronger than ever 🩷#AhyeonComebackHealthier #AHYEONGetWellSoon #루카 #BABYMONSTERpic.twitter.com/BZgpX8Z4hn
— ruka pics (@kawairukapics) November 15, 2023
JUST COMEBACK HEALTHIER AND STRONGER, MY HYEONIE! I WILL WAIT FOR YOU. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
GET WELL SOON AHYEON #AhyeonComebackHealthier@YGBABYMONSTER_#BABYMONSTER pic.twitter.com/MxkBCn4y8V
— Lia ✧ (@amourllili) November 15, 2023
Get well soon, Ahyeon! Your fans will always be patiently waiting for your healthy return!
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