Ahyeon leaves BABYMONSTER before group’s debut due to ‘health reasons’

Ahyeon has left the group.

In a recent development, South Korean trainee Ahyeon will not be part of BABYMONSTER's debut lineup due to undisclosed personal reasons. The group will now debut with six members instead of seven.

However, this does not mark the end of Ahyeon's journey with BABYMONSTER. She may still join the group at a later date, according to reports.

This has come as a shock to many of the fans who were awaiting the debut of the K-pop group as Ahyeon was touted as the second-coming of BLACKPINK star Jennie.

Their start date was supposed to be September but was delayed by two months over selecting the title track for their debut, which was rescheduled to Nov. 27.

A representative from YG Entertainment confirmed the news, saying "BABYMONSTER will be debuting as a six-member group with Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita. After careful discussion, it was decided that Ahyeon, who prepared together [with BABYMONSTER], will be focusing on getting rest for the time being due to health reasons."

They continued, "Although we are saddened to be unable to introduce Ahyeon as a member of BABYMONSTER, we made this decision for the sake of the artist’s health. We will spare no support so that Ahyeon can recover fully and return in good health."

Multinational K-pop group BABYMONSTER, or Baemon, will consist of Haram and Rora from Korea; Pharita and Chiquita from Thailand; and Ruka and Asa from Japan.