Earlier this year, the K-pop community was in utter shock when it was announced Minzy, the maknae of 2NE1, would be leaving both the K-pop idol group and YG Entertainment once her contract expires. This dire news hit Blackjacks (2NE1 fans) the hardest. As a result, they all rallied together through love letters of support and petitions, pleading with both Minzy to not leave 2NE1 and to YG Entertainment to step up and do what they can to keep 2NE1 from breaking apart. Unfortunately, the numerous possible reasons for why Minzy left 2NE1 outnumbered the reasons for her to stay.
As of today, since it is May 5 in South Korea, Minzy’s contract with YG Entertainment has expired, and she is officially no longer a part of 2NE1. Still, she did not leave the K-pop community, especially Blackjacks, out in the dark. Instead, Minzy made her future plans known through a personal letter to her fans she uploaded on Instagram.
According to Soompi , at exactly midnight on May 5, Minzy took to her official Instagram to upload a picture of a personal letter she wrote to her fans . In it, she details her future plans as a soloist and even thanks her fans for all their love and support while hoping they continue to give such in her future endeavors.
The letter is written in hangul, the Korean alphabet. Ergo, a translation is provided below for those who cannot read it but want to know what Minzy is conveying to the public.
“Hello, this is Minzy.
It is with a sincere heart that I write to you all. First, I would like to apologize to all those who expressed shock at the news of my departure. It is after careful consideration and much deliberation that I have decided to pursue a new journey as an artist named Minzy Gong.
Ever since debuting with 2NE1 at the young age of 16, I have been grateful for the wonderful memories I shared with incredible fans worldwide. These experiences were undeniably precious and I take none of them for granted. Thank you all for helping me grow as an artist.
I promise to work even harder to return before you all with an improved and more honest version of myself. Through a renewed vision and hard work, I hope to reciprocate the love, dedication, and support that you have shown me. Thank you to all the fans, family, and friends who have shown me their love and concern. I promise to return soon.
Love, Minzy.”
Little is known on what Minzy will do as a soloist, but it is expected her music will continue in the same style as 2NE1. It is also believed that Minzy may try to do more variety show appearances, something Minzy’s mother urged YG Entertainment to do. That statement garnered plenty of attention recently, because Minzy’s mom said it almost three years ago on MaMaMia . If YG Entertainment only took what Minzy’s mother said to heart, Minzy would most likely still be with YG Entertainment right now, according to YG United .
Ultimately, all the K-pop community and Blackjacks can do is wait to see for what Minzy will do next. As for the remaining members of 2NE1, they are expected to have a comeback coming soon. This time however, they will be performing with three members.
[Image via Screen Capture of 2NE1’s Music Video “Fire” (Street Version)]