Elkie, a member of K-pop girl band CLC, has left the group after she requested that her exclusive contract be terminated last December.

Cube Entertainment, CLC’s agency, announced on Feb. 3 that Elkie, 22, is now out of CLC.

“We would like to inform you that the exclusive contract with our artist Elkie has been terminated. With this termination, Elkie is now withdrawn from the group CLC. This conclusion follows a mutual agreement between both parties. We extend our gratitude to the fans who had sent love for Elkie. Please wish Elkie the best in her future endeavors,” the agency said.

Elkie was a teen star in Hong Kong before joining CLC. The group debuted in 2015 and the following year, Elkie and Eun-bin were added to CLC.

Last September, CLC made their comeback with the single “Helicopter” and during their online media showcase, Elkie said, “We definitely dedicated the most effort to the performance this time, so from now on, I hope people will think of CLC when they think of performance. We want to be the leading performance group of K-pop.”

However, last December, Korean media reported that through a law firm in Beijing, China, Elkie notified Cube Entertainment about her request to terminate her contract, citing contractual issues.

On Dec. 30, Elkie uploaded a letter addressed to fans on Instagram in which she stated that “it’s sad that many times I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I have encountered many obstacles along the way but it is what it is, sadly I couldn’t show you more and give you all I have.”

Here’s her letter:

“To my dearest Cheshire,

“I have some true words from deep and I would really appreciate if you take time to read it over.

“It’s been almost six years. Started from audition, debut, and finally got the chance to meet you all and become close to each other. Until now, our love is very powerful and very precious. All the time, every event, every performance, every album…you have inspired and encouraged me a lot. It gives me the strength to keep going.

“Not only that, but occasionally when I feel down, your warm messages, comments, and letters have got me through those tough time.

“There’s one time I felt down and I travelled to a foreign country on my own. On my way back I wrote a very emotional message. And when I read through all the messages and comments, I could hardly hold back my tears at the boarding gate. I was so touched.

“There are many more this kind of moments that I will NEVER forget.

“From all the moments we had together, you probably know my personality. I have always hope to bring happiness, to show you all aspects, and I also hope you can gain strength from it.

“However, it’s sad that many times I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I have encountered many obstacles along the way but it is what it is, sadly I couldn’t show you more and give you all I have. This made me feel so bad… and when I think of you who have been always supporting me, makes me feel even more disappointed and depressed.

“As of now, I feel that I haven’t been a successful artiste, at least I am not very satisfied with what I have done for you.

“That’s why I realized that I can’t let it be anymore. I want to do more for my loved ones, and I would like to show you all I have.

“In the last five years, I had lots of precious moments and great experiences. I’m looking forward to putting some of this learning into practice. Do what I want to do, do what I can do, and accomplish a longer journey. I would like to invite you to join me in this journey and I hope we can both gain strength from it.

“Thank you for always being there for me and hope I can keep your smile on. I will keep working hard as always and I have never forgotten my intention. I am grateful for your support, let’s keep going together in the future.

“I am so optimistic about the adventures to come! With you, I have nothing to fear for. Because you are the reason of my happiness.

“Especially thanks to my members who are just like my family! Thank you for your love and support. Remember our promise, even when we become older, we will still gather together to sing and dance. I’m looking forward to hearing good news from all of you! Love you so much!”

#Elkie

Elkie leaves K-pop girl group CLC: ‘I couldn’t do what I wanted to do’