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| Major Line-Up Change for ME:I as Four Members Set to Leave in December 2025 (Photo: ME:I) |
Japanese idol group ME:I have confirmed a major line-up change, announcing that four members will officially depart the group at the end of 2025.
RAN (Ishii Ran), COCORO (Kato Kokoro), SHIZUKU (Iida Shizuku), and KOKONA (Sasaki Kokona) will conclude their exclusive management contracts with LAPONE GIRLS on 31 December 2025, marking the end of their activities as part of the 11-member group.
The announcement was shared through the agency’s official channels on 22 December, catching many fans off guard and triggering a wave of emotional reactions across social media.
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Official statement and agency response
In its statement, LAPONE GIRLS apologised for the sudden nature of the news and asked fans for understanding, while also expressing sincere thanks to the four members for their dedication and hard work since the group’s formation.
The agency stressed its gratitude for the members’ contributions and encouraged continued support for ME:I moving forward, signalling that the group will carry on with seven members after the departures.
No further details were provided regarding future promotions, new formations, or whether replacement members would be added.
COCORO、RAN、SHIZUKU、KOKONAに関するご報告https://t.co/SsmoQOGpqz
— LAPONE GIRLS (@LAPONEGIRLSinfo) December 22, 2025
Background: health breaks and mounting pressure
ME:I were formed in 2023 through a survival audition programme, quickly gaining attention as one of the most promising new-generation Japanese idol groups. However, 2025 proved to be a challenging year behind the scenes.
Earlier in the year, COCORO, RAN, and SHIZUKU had already stepped back from activities due to health-related concerns, with official updates citing physical and mental strain caused by demanding schedules. KOKONA, meanwhile, remained active until the end-of-year decision was finalised.
According to multiple reports, the departures are not believed to be linked to internal conflict.
However, some fans have pointed to an earlier official LAPONE GIRLS statement released in October, which addressed SHIZUKU’s breach of group rules, suggesting it may have played a role in the final decision.
While the agency did not directly connect that issue to the December departures, online discussions have continued to link the two, with fans debating whether the situation influenced the group’s sudden restructuring.
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Sources familiar with the group have suggested that relationships among members remained positive, with the decision instead tied to long-term exhaustion and personal limits after sustained high-pressure activities.
The news spread rapidly online, with fans expressing disbelief and emotional confusion. Many pointed out how recently the group had celebrated milestones together, making the announcement feel especially abrupt.
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Comments ranged from quiet sadness to open shock, with fans questioning how ME:I will sound and feel as a seven-member group.
Others shared messages of support for the departing members, hoping they prioritise their well-being and future paths beyond idol life.
@momona_1004 COCORO、RAN、SHIZUKU、KOKONAに関するご報告 平素よりME:Iを応援いただき、誠にありがとうございます。 このたび、COCORO、RAN、SHIZUKU、KOKONAは、2025年12月31日をもちまして、株式会社LAPONE GIRLSとの専属マネジメント契約を満了し、ME:Iとしての活動を終了いたしますことを、ご報告申し上げます。 日頃より温かいご支援を賜っておりますファンの皆さまには、突然のご報告となりますことを、深くお詫び申し上げます。何卒、ご理解賜りますようお願い申し上げます。 活動に尽力してくださったCOCORO、RAN、SHIZUKU、KOKONAに心より感謝申し上げます。 今後も変わらぬご支援を賜れますよう、心よりお願い申し上げます。 えほんとにうそでしょもう言葉が出ない辛い悲しいこれって脱退ってことなのかな…#ミーアイ #fyp#脱退@ここ @Anna ♬ オリジナル楽曲 - 모모(もも)
What happens next for ME:I?
With the departures set for the end of 2025, ME:I are expected to continue scheduled activities until then, though details on final appearances, farewell stages, or special releases have yet to be announced. For now, both supporters and observers are left processing one of the most impactful idol group updates of the year.
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