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| AKB48 Team TP Terminates Contract With Trainee Yu Yan-Ci, Legal Action Confirmed (Photo: TeamTP) |
AKB48 Team TP is once again under the spotlight, but this time it is not for music or performances. Trainee member Yu Yan-Ci has officially been dismissed from the group after being unreachable for nearly eight months, with management confirming contract termination and legal follow-up.
According to an official statement released on 5 January 2026 by Hao Yan Entertainment, Yu Yan-Ci had been out of contact since 9 May 2025.
The company stated that all attempts to reach her failed, including phone calls and messages, and that she did not attend scheduled training sessions or participate in any entertainment or promotional work during that period.
Management described the situation as a serious breach of contract, citing disruptions to planned training, halted resource allocation, and measurable losses.
Based on contractual terms and legal regulations, the agency confirmed the immediate termination of Yu Yan-Ci’s management contract and announced it would pursue legal responsibility for any resulting damages.
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Yu Yan-Ci joined AKB48 Team TP as a 5th Generation trainee in August 2024 and was later assigned to the Peek A Boo trainee unit.
On 30 May 2025, she was quietly moved to the group’s “Rest Members” category.
That same day, she reportedly submitted a handwritten message explaining she was dealing with family issues and asked fans to wait for her return.
However, after that point, no further updates were made. Her social media activity stopped, merchandise sales were suspended, and she did not reappear in official schedules.
Eight months later, the agency confirmed her dismissal.
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Online speculation initially ranged from voluntary withdrawal to more extreme assumptions, but available information suggests Yu Yan-Ci was not taken or harmed.
Her written message in May 2025 referencing family matters supports that narrative. Still, fans remain puzzled by the lack of follow-up communication between both sides, especially given her age and trainee status at the time.
Reaction from Taiwanese fans has been mixed and vocal. Some expressed concern for Yu Yan-Ci’s wellbeing, questioning whether the situation was handled with enough care. Others were confused by the decision to pursue legal action while her current circumstances remain unclear.
At the same time, a noticeable group of netizens turned their focus towards management, pointing out that this marks the second contract termination involving AKB48 Team TP members in a short span. (ICYMI: Fan Chiang Yu-en Contract Violations)
Comments questioning recruitment processes, internal communication, and support systems quickly gained traction.
There were also fans urging calmer discussion, reminding others that contractual obligations still apply regardless of personal difficulties, and that agencies operate under legal frameworks rather than emotional ones.
Two high-profile departures and an upcoming group rebranding planned for January 2026, many are now watching closely to see how AKB48 Team TP restructures its image and trainee management going forward.
As for Yu Yan-Ci, her future remains uncertain, and no personal statement has been released since mid-2025.
What do you think — was this a necessary contractual decision, or does it highlight deeper issues behind the scenes?