On July 25, Blockberry Creative announced that LOONA's Chuu would not be participating in the group's upcoming Japanese promotions and concerts due to a "predetermined individual schedule." The announcement did not sit well with fans as they demanded answers about why the idol was being left out of the group and asked for details of the individual schedule.
The latest news comes after months-long controversy surrounding the 22-year-old's participation in group activities. The idol even reportedly filed a lawsuit against the agency last year. Soon after, a Chuu fan site allegedly exposed the mistreatment the idol was suffering at the hands of Blockberry Creative.
LOONA's Chuu was previously announced to be unable to take part in the world tour commencing from August 2, 2022, in the US. The most recent update added that she would not be participating in the promotions of the group's Japanese single LUMINOUS' and will also be absent from the Japanese leg of the tour.
Agency says LOONA's Chuu will sit out additional activities, fans speculate about possible reasons
The 12-member girl group LOONA and its fandom have been in troubled waters for quite a few months now. The unrest went up a notch when on July 25, Blockberry Creative stated that Chuu, one of its most popular members, will not be participating in upcoming Japanese promotions, including LUMINOUS' release and the subsequent world tour.
The group’s official Japan account posted a notice on Twitter, informing fans about the Tokyo concerts and LUMINOUS activities regarding LOONA's Chuu. An excerpt from the notice, translated by a fan, reads:
“Due to the predetermined individual schedule of LOONA member Chuu for the latter half of the year, we are announcing that she will not be participating in promotional activities for LOONA's 2nd Japanese single LUMINOUS, as well as LOONA's first LOONATHEWORLD in TOKYO concert to be held on October 1st.”
Fans who had been waiting for OT12 activities found the “predetermined individual activities” reason suspicious. Some believe that it must be related to certain obligations of her contract with the agency.
However, a large chunk of fans were of the opinion that Blockberry Creative needs to dole out some proper answers. Being unable to attend the group’s first world tour is a big deal, and LOONA’s Chuu not being a part of it speaks volumes of something big brewing behind the scenes. One fan pointed out:
A few tried to find a silver lining and believed that the continuous busy schedule might indicate that Chuu has something big under wraps, such as a TV series. Given the secrecy surrounding her activities, some fans even sarcastically commented that it seemed as if she was in one of the Marvel Phase 5 movies.
LOONA's Chuu has been involved in multiple solo activities. From being a variety show cast member to hosting shows and featuring in commercials, the 22-year-old has had a busy couple of years.
Fans have time and again voiced their disappointment at the agency for allegedly failing to give Chuu time to rest and maintain a proper schedule.
Similar criticism arose after the most recent notice, as fans wondered how her schedule clashed with the group's first world tour and now Japanese promotions.
Meanwhile, Chuu was reported to be in discussions with another agency last month. Media outlets claimed that she was leaving Blockberry Creative. However, nothing has been made official as of yet.