Gugudan (often stylized as gu9udan or shortened to gx9) just made their K-pop comeback for this year. However, this comeback is far more pivotal than their previous comebacks as it marks the moment they will continue onward as eight members now that Hyeyeon has departed.
On November 6, 2018, Gugudan released their third extended play (EP) or mini-album titled Act. 5 New Action. It featured the song Not That Type. According to the K-pop community, the title track is being toted as “unique” and “fierce” when compared to Gugudan’s previous works.
At this moment, the music video for Not That Type sits a little over 600,000 views. It is quite possible the reason they’re not getting as much attention as they deserve is that they are competing alongside Twice and their hit song Yes Or Yes.
Still, the comeback proved that Gugudan can go in a different direction from their previous work but more importantly, they can function as an eight-member group.
Hyeyeon departs from Gugudan
Last month on October 25, 2018, it was made known that Hyeyeon would be leaving Gugudan. The decision was made after both she (her party representing her) and Jellyfish Entertainment had multiple discussions about her future and career.
Afterward, the latter would provide a statement to the public giving further details on why Hyeyeon was leaving.
Hyeyeon will be ending her activities with Gugudan. The decision was made after frequent discussions about the future career path and activities in the entertainment industry for Hyeyeon, who has been dedicated to her studies since May while taking a break for health reasons.
Though she’ll be discontinuing with Gugudan, she’ll continue on under Jellyfish Entertainment. Please continue to love and support Hyeyeon and the remaining 8 members.
The K-pop community are thankful that Hyeyeon’s departure from Gugudan was amicable. She and her agency understand there are things far more important than being a K-pop idol.
The remaining members even showed their love and understanding of Hyeyeon’s departure too. Hana’s statement on the matter probably sums up how Gugudan feels about the situation.
Hyeyeon said she will be cheering us on as a fan and an unnie. We also encouraged her, saying she should focus on recovering her health and education.
With Hyeyeon’s departure being amicable, it is possible that sometime in the future, she will return to Gugudan when she has finished her studies and her health is back on track. If it happens, it will surely be a beautiful day for K-pop fans.
Right now, Gugudan is busy with post-release promotions of Act. 5 New Action and its title track song Not That Type.