The 'Miniskirt' hitmaker confirms her 'budding relationship' with a CEO of an electronics company, but says that she's leaving the group due to depression, not pregnancy.
- Jun 23, 2017
AceShowbiz - Choa has finally announced her departure from AOA after previously saying that she was only resting. The 27-year-old singer is believed to be leaving the group because she's pregnant and getting married soon, but she insisted that she decided to withdraw from AOA due to depression and insomnia.
On Thursday, June 22, Choa took to Instagram to announce her withdrawal. "I was very thankful and sorry that so many people took interest in my sudden hiatus. It's a bit late, but I'd like to tell you the reasons I had to rest and the decision I've come to after a lot of thought," she wrote alongside a picture of a starry sky. "To treat my insomnia and depression, I started taking medication and lessening my work load 2 years ago. I tried to get back to work as I thought of everyone waiting for me, but I felt that if there was more negative attention due to my hiatus, this would hurt my group members even more."
"After speaking to our agency, I've decided to leave AOA today, and I'm going to cheer on my fellow members," Choa continued. "To the members I've been with for so long, to those who helped me to become a better person so I can receive love, and to those who loved me and AOA, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Shortly after her announcement, photos of her and Lee Sukjin, the CEO of Najin Industry, surfaced online. The two appeared to have gone to Japan together for "a couple vacation." Reports suggested that they would be getting married soon due to her pregnancy.
Choa later posted another lengthy message on Instagram to clarify the rumors. "I know that the more you all show interest in me, the more rumors there will be. I am not pregnant, I did not get an abortion, nor am I leaving the group because of a marriage," she captioned a photo of her with her sisters.
She then confirmed that she does have a "budding relationship" with Lee Sukjin. "There is nothing wrong with dating, so I will be honest and say that I will continue to have a budding relationship with him." However, she stated that she went to Japan with her sisters as well.
On Friday, June 23, FNC Entertainment stated that they would give fans more update after "a further discussion with Choa" although she already announced her departure. "The label will respect Choa's wishes and will come to a final decision after further discussion [with Choa]," the company said in a statement. "For now, please refrain from spreading rumors regarding this situation."