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| Former ME:I Idol Kato Kokoro Denies Misconduct Rumours Reveals Exit Cover-Up (Photo: Shukan Bunshun) |
What fans thought they already knew about ME:I’s sudden lineup shake-up has now been completely flipped on its head. In a raw and detailed Bunshun exposé, former member Kato Kokoro (COCORO) has finally spoken out, claiming her exit was not due to health issues or personal misconduct, but an agency-led decision built on a fabricated diagnosis. After months of silence, the truth she shared has left fans stunned and questioning everything that came before.
According to the interview published on January 14, COCORO revealed that she never once requested a break from group activities. Despite public statements citing “poor health,” she says she was told by management that she would be labelled as unwell and placed on hiatus regardless.
The situation escalated quietly, eventually leading to her contract ending in December 2025 without a graduation stage, farewell message, or proper goodbyes to fans and fellow members.
This directly contradicts earlier rumours that circulated online, including claims of rule-breaking behaviour such as unauthorised hair colouring and late-night outings.
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COCORO firmly denied those stories, saying they spread because she was never allowed to explain herself.
In her words, the interview was not about blame, but about reclaiming her voice, clearing misunderstandings, and restoring her dignity after months of enforced silence.
The timing has only intensified the impact. Kato Kokoro was one of four members, alongside Ran, Shizuku and Kokona, who left ME:I within the same period.
At the time, the agency framed the departures as unrelated and unavoidable. Now, netizens are revisiting those announcements with fresh eyes, wondering whether there was more happening behind the scenes than fans were told.
Fan reactions online have been deeply divided but loud. Many long-time supporters expressed anger and heartbreak, saying they felt betrayed for believing the official narrative.
Some apologised directly to COCORO for previously doubting her, while others called for clearer accountability from idol agencies and better protection for young performers. There is also a more cautious group urging patience, pointing out that only one side of the story has been made public so far.
Meanwhile, discussions around idol management practices have picked up pace again. Netizens are questioning how often “health hiatus” explanations are used as convenient exits, and whether idols truly have control over how their own stories are told. The fact that COCORO was allegedly denied even a final message to fans has struck a particularly painful chord within the community.
What do you think about Kato Kokoro’s revelations, and does this change how you view ME:I’s recent departures?