Youngest member Gong Minzy reportedly left 2NE1 and YG Entertainment.
This is one of the biggest news in Kpop as 2NE1's contract with YG is up next month, the members were reportedly in talks with its current label whether they will renew their respective contracts. However, the group's maknae Minzy will not renew her contract.
In an official statement from YG Entertainment, according to All Kpop, "We are sorry to inform the many 2NE1 fans who've waited so long. We are making an official announcement that 2NE1's maknae Minzy will no longer be a part of 2NE1."
"With the end of 2NE1's contract with YG coming up on May 5, 2016, we met with the 2NE1 members this past January to discuss their intentions about re-signing. However, Minzy expressed her intentions that were different from the group."
"The remaining three members have re-signed, and they're preparing for a new song release for this summer as 2NE1. We are not looking for an additional member to replace Minzy."
We have compiled the possible reasons why Minzy left 2NE1 and her label YG Entertainment. First, Minzy is regarded as the least popular in the group as being a maknae, she often remain in the background rendering support to her unnies. She also ranked at the bottom in terms of looks against the other members. In the old episodes of 2NE1 TV, Minzy is dubbed as the female Kang Deasung, her labelmate and BigBang member. She also got flak when she got plastic surgery on her nose to fix her complex.
2NE1 entered a hiatus after member Park Bom was caught in a controversy with drug smuggling. During this hiatus, other members CL and Dara continued with their activities. CL worked on her US debut and conquering the international scene, while Dara ventured in acting starring in web dramas and casted in variety shows.
While the group is in hiatus, Minzy reportedly studied, which she was unable to do when the group was busy with promotions and endorsements. The youngest member also put up her own dance academy being known as the main dancer of 2NE1. Minzy will probably use this opportunity to focus on other things or to start fresh in a new career path.
Watch the last performance of 2NE1 as a group at MAMA 2015 below.