Entertainment
Hallyuwood
K-pop idol-turned-actress Kwon Eun-bin reflects on retirement: 'I suffered emptiness, anxiety'
K-pop idol-turned-actress Kwon Eun-bin reflects on retirement: 'I suffered emptiness, anxiety'
Former CLC member Kwon Eun-bin has opened up about her decision to step away from the entertainment industry, describing a long period of inner struggle before choosing to retire.
Kwon debuted as a member of girl group CLC in 2016 and began her acting career in 2018.
Last month, her agency Cube Entertainment announced that both parties had agreed to terminate her exclusive contract after “long discussions” with the artist. She also requested the removal of her public profiles from major Korean internet portals.
On June 16, Kwon posted a handwritten letter on Instagram, offering a deeply personal explanation for her decision to leave the industry.
She expressed gratitude to fans who supported her over the past decade, but said the choice came after prolonged reflection.
“During this long career that began in my teens, as time passed, I naturally spent more time contemplating my past, present, and future. At the end of that long deliberation, I have decided to live the life of an ordinary person,” she said.
Kwon revealed that much of her journey was marked not by fulfillment, but by emotional strain.
“Looking back on the past, I realized that most of my time was spent suffering from emptiness and anxiety regarding the present and future, rather than affection and love for my work,” she said. “Instead of making an effort to overcome those negative emotions and grow, I spent regrettable time merely trying to avoid and relieve them.”
She added that she came to regret years spent in what she described as “meaningless activities” and relationships that felt “like empty shells devoid of substance.”
“I felt deep regret over my foolish past self and the time I wasted,” she said.
Still, Kwon said she is now choosing to move forward with a quieter, more grounded life, away from the pressures of public life.
“Now, I have decided to leave all those negative times and emotions behind and dedicate my time to pursuing a better and happier future,” she said, adding that she has recently been spending her days in a calmer and more positive state of mind.
She also apologized to fans for being unable to respond individually to messages of support, and said she will no longer be accepting personal messages or questions.
However, she assured that she will complete her remaining commitments, including CLC reunion concerts scheduled in Taiwan and Hong Kong in July and August.
“I plan to conclude all my entertainment activities following the previously scheduled overseas group activities of CLC. I sincerely thank you for your support and wish you all happiness,” she said.
