The K-pop industry ended 2025 with the news that Danielle would be leaving NewJeans and Ador after a year-long dispute between the group and Hybe’s sublabel. Fast forward to April 2026, and more members of globally recognized idol groups have been announcing their departures.

Mid-March saw Enhypen part ways with Heeseung, and Zerobaseone split in half as members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin left the group to prepare for a redebut under home agency YH Entertainment. And right at the start of this month, SM Entertainment announced that Mark Lee would no longer be part of NCT, NCT 127, and NCT Dream—as his contract with the label came to an end. Fellow NCT/WayV member Ten also recently announced that he will no longer renew his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment but will remain in his groups.

Speculations have also arisen that Katseye’s Manon would be leaving her group after Hybe and Geffen announced that she would be going on hiatus. It’s noted that the Swiss Ghanaian member did not perform with the global girl group for their Coachella set.