K-pop star Kwon Eunbin to retire from entertainment industry: 'I was wasting my precious time'
CLC member Kwon Eunbin is stepping away from the entertainment industry, announcing that she will be returning to life as a private citizen.
The K-pop star and actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to apologize for "causing concern" following recent media coverage about her.
"I am sorry for causing concern to many people due to the unexpected news articles recently. I felt it was my duty to personally inform everyone who has supported me of my current situation and my decision, which is why I am writing this," she wrote.
"Throughout my approximately 10 years of activities in the entertainment industry, I was happy in every moment thanks to the undeserved love and support from fans, and I am sincerely grateful for that," Eunbin added.
She said that after a long deliberation, she has decided to "live a life as a non-celebrity," admitting feeling empty and anxious.
"Looking back on the past, I realized that I spent most of my time suffering from feelings of emptiness and anxiety about the present and future rather than having affection and love for my work. Instead of making an effort to overcome those negative emotions and grow, I spent a regrettable amount of time trying to avoid and resolve them," she admitted.
Eunbin admitted she was tired of "meaningless hours" that offered no benefit, realizing many of her relationships were "nothing more than empty shells." She added that she has regretted it for a long time and have decided to leave that world behind.
"I felt a great sense of regret for my foolish past self and the time I spent, and I have now decided to leave all those negative times and emotions behind and spend my time pursuing a better and happier future," she said.
"These days, I am spending time filled with newer and happier emotions than ever before," Eunbin continued.
The 26-year-old idol offered an apology for not being able to reply to those who reached out to her during this time. She said however that she will not be entertaining any questions regarding this matter moving forward.
"I will cherish only the grateful hearts you have sent me," she said. "I plan to conclude all entertainment activities after CLC’s previously scheduled group activities overseas. I sincerely thank you for all the support you have shown me, and I wish everyone happiness. Thank you."
Eunbin started her career in 2016 as part of the Mnet reality girl group survival show, Produce 101.
In 2018, she started her career as a model and actress, appearing in drama series like Bad Papa, Somehow Family, Heirarchy, New Mystery Theatre, and more.
She is set to reunite with CLC in Hong Kong and Taiwan for her last concert with them this July.