press green flag
Updated 2026 Idol Departures & Hiatus Timeline January: Danielle officially parted ways with NewJeans and ADOR following an intense, highly publicized legal and workplace dispute with HYBE. February: Manon officially went on a temporary health hiatus from KATSEYE. (Her bandmate Sophia would also enter a mental health break later in August). Hangyul left BAE173 and concluded his 10-year exclusive contract. March: Heeseung shockingly left ENHYPEN to pursue a solo career under the name EVAN (remaining under Belift Lab). Youngeun officially departed Kep1er following an extended health hiatus. ZEROBASEONE experienced a massive split as members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin departed to prepare for a redebut under Yuehua Entertainment. April: Mark Lee officially graduated/left NCT (including NCT 127 and NCT Dream) after his 10-year contract with SM Entertainment concluded. Moka of ILLIT entered a temporary health-related hiatus. May: Yeowon departed USPEER following a prolonged health-related hiatus. June: Eunsang left YOUNITE to transition into a full-time solo career. Seungmin of Stray Kids stepped back into a temporary hiatus. July: Lexie Levin mutually agreed to part ways with HYBE x Geffen, permanently exiting the pre-debut girl group SAINT SATINE. Winwin officially departed from NCT/WayV and SM Entertainment as his exclusive contract came to a close. August: New officially withdrew from THE BOYZ. Gunil had his contract terminated by JYP Entertainment and left Xdinary Heroes following online controversies. Sophia officially entered a temporary mental health and wellness
