Woo Jiyoon — Member of K-pop duo Bolbbalgan4 — has announced to leave the group due to uncertainties in its future. Shofar Music has also made an announcement that Woo Jiyoon is leaving the group Bolbbalgan 4 aka BOL4 and henceforth Ahn Ji Young will be promoting solo to maintain the name BOL4.
Here’s what agency’s full statement reads:
Hello, this is Shofar Music.
First, we thank the fans who support and love BOL4. We would like to make an official statement regarding a member change in our agency’s duo BOL4.
Member Woo Ji Yoon has expressed her desire to wrap up promoting as part of BOL4 due to personal concerns about her future career, and we have had several meetings to think about the matter carefully with the members. After speaking with each other for a long time, the members came to understand each other’s thoughts, and Shofar Music also respects Woo Ji Yoon’s decision, so we have come to the following conclusion.
BOL4 will now be a one-member artist with Ahn Ji Young and no additional members. After contemplation, Woo Ji Yoon has decided to wrap up promoting as BOL4.
We, Shofar Music, are also sad that BOL4 will not be able to continue on together, but we have made this decision to respect and support [Woo Ji Yoon’s] thoughts more than anything else. Moreover, although Ahn Ji Young and Woo Ji Yoon will wrap up promoting together as part of a duo, they will continue to be colleagues and friends who support the paths they each take.
The one-member BOL4 is currently preparing to release an album some time in May, and we ask you to send Ahn Ji Young, who will continue the music of BOL4, warm support and encouragement.
Shofar Music will continue to support the two artists’ shining future.
Thank you.
From, Shofar Music
Woo Jio Yoon has also shared a heartfelt handwritten letter informing her fans about her departure from BOL4.
Here’s what Jio Yoon wrote in her letter:
Hello, this is Woo Ji Yoon.
It’s been a while since I’ve written a letter.
It’s hard to stay home during this season in which the cold is melting away. Make sure to wear a mask when you go out, and take a thin jacket with you because the daily temperature range is very big. Be careful not to catch a cold.
I’d like to carefully talk about something today. It might be disappointing or surprising to you, so my heart is heavy.
While treasuring in my heart the memories I spent with you as BOL4’s Woo Ji Yoon, I am embarking on a new start.
I wanted my fans, who cheered for me and loved me, to be the first ones to know. Thank you for sparing a part of your hearts for me. It wasn’t an easy decision because we had such special experiences and shared so many emotions together.
Many days, I would keep asking my self the same question. “Am I doing what’s right? What is it that I really want to do?” It was a process of contemplating seriously about my future career, and it occurred to me that now is an important time for me to take on a new challenge before it’s too late.
I thought over it countless times on my own, and I talked to the company and Ji Young as well., They held me back, which I’m thankful for, and we had deep discussions on many occasions. But to me, this was something I had thought about alone for a long time, so I asked them to understand my feelings, and both the company and Ji Young decided to respect my decision.
It was thanks to the time I spent with all of you that I was able to think, “Am I worthy of receiving all of this love? Then I should become someone who can return twice the amount of love I received.” Like this, I wanted to become a better person little by little.
I can’t express myself very well, so I’m rambling even within this short piece of writing. But whether I write well or not, I wanted to approach you fully as my self, since this is the last time. What I started in high school for fun has now grown into a team that many people lean their ears in to listen to, and I want to let you know that BOL4 is a precious memory to me.
Though I won’t be able to continue on as BOL4 like before, I will be a fan and a friend who watches over BOL4 and cheers it on. Thank you for being with me during my brightest moments. I love you.
Wishing both Woo Ji Yoon and Ahn Ji Young all the best for the future!