April idol Lee Hyunjoo quits girl group after long illness break

Girl band April, which debuted in 2015, consists of four members including Kara Project finalist Kim Chaewon.

Hyunjoo
Girl band April, which debuted in 2015, consists of four members including Kara Project finalist Kim Chaewon. Facebook

Lee Hyunjoo has said she quitting girl group April permanently. The girl group member who was on a break owing to health issues, called it quits in order to pursue a different career path.

The band's agency has confirmed the news. DSP relayed that Hyunjoo would want to focus on her acting career rather than continuing as an idol: "Lee Hyunjoo will be trying out a new road not as April but as an actress. Accordingly, she has left the group and will be promoting individually," the agency said in a note.

As per reports, Hyunjoo has been on a short break from May due to breathing difficulties and headaches. The singer was reportedly kept out from the band's group promotional activities for a faster recovery. However, the girl band member bid adieu after turning to good health. DSP relays that Hyunjoo 'thought a long time about her career path' during her hiatus.

"She relayed her intention clearly to the label and we conferred about her career path. The label decided to honor her intention, and decided she would be an actress," DSP said in its statement.

In addition, DSP also hinted at the entry of a new member in place of Hyunjoo. However, they did not reveal much information about the new entrant: "We are planning to add new member(s) to the original April members, and they are preparing to release a new album early next year," the statement read.

Girl band April, which debuted in 2015, consists of four members including Kara Project finalist Kim Chaewon. The girls recently made a grand comeback with their mini album entitled 'Spring'.