Why did Woojin leave Stray Kids?

Woojin’s Journey in Stray Kids

Woojin, whose real name is Kim Woo-jin, was born on April 8, 1997, in Daejeon, South Korea. He joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2015 and was chosen to be one of the members of Stray Kids during the survival show of the same name in 2017.

As a member of Stray Kids, Woojin was known for his powerful vocals and impressive dance skills. He was also one of the group’s main rappers and contributed to the songwriting process for some of their tracks.

Woojin played an integral role in the success of Stray Kids, helping the group win multiple awards and gain a massive following both in South Korea and internationally. Some of his notable achievements with the group include chart-topping hits like “My Pace”, “Miroh” and “God’s Menu” as well as successful world tours and appearances on various television shows.

Reasons for Woojin Leaving Stray Kids

JYP Entertainment announced Woojin’s departure from Stray Kids on October 28, 2019, citing “personal reasons” as the cause. However, fans and the media speculated about other possible reasons for his departure, including health issues and contractual disputes.

Regarding health issues, there were rumors that Woojin had suffered a knee injury that required him to take a break from activities with the group. Some fans also speculated that he may have been experiencing mental health issues.

As for contractual issues, some reports suggested that Woojin may have violated his contract with JYP Entertainment, which led to his departure. However, these claims were never confirmed by either JYP or Woojin himself, and remain unverified rumors.

Woojin himself has remained relatively silent on the reasons for his departure, only sharing a brief statement on his Instagram account apologizing to his fans and expressing his gratitude for their support. The true reasons behind his departure from Stray Kids remain unclear to this day.

Speculations and Controversies

Despite JYP Entertainment’s official statement on Woojin’s departure citing “personal reasons”, rumors and speculations surrounding the real reasons for his departure continue to circulate among fans and the media.

Some of the most common rumors include claims that Woojin had violated his contract with JYP Entertainment, had personal conflicts with other members of Stray Kids, or had experienced health issues. However, none of these rumors have been confirmed by either Woojin or JYP Entertainment.

In response to these rumors, Woojin has remained largely silent, only briefly addressing the issue on his Instagram account. In a statement posted shortly after his departure from Stray Kids, he apologized to his fans and thanked them for their support, but did not provide any specific information about the reasons behind his departure.

The controversies surrounding Woojin’s departure have also led to speculation about the impact it may have had on Stray Kids and their future as a group. However, the members of Stray Kids have remained committed to their music and their fans, and have continued to release successful albums and perform at concerts around the world.

Aftermath and Future Plans

After leaving Stray Kids, Woojin took a break from the spotlight for several months before making his solo debut in May 2020 with the single “Still Dream”. He has since released several other solo singles and has been actively promoting his music on social media.

Meanwhile, Stray Kids continued as an eight-member group and released their first album after Woojin’s departure, “GO LIVE”, in June 2020. The album was a commercial success, topping the charts in South Korea and several other countries.

Since then, Stray Kids has continued to release successful albums and singles, including “IN LIFE” and “NOEASY”, and has also embarked on several world tours.

As for the possibility of Woojin returning to Stray Kids, there has been no official word from either JYP Entertainment or Woojin himself. However, many fans remain hopeful that he will one day rejoin the group and continue making music with his former bandmates.

Conclusion

Woojin’s departure from Stray Kids in 2019 was a surprise to fans around the world, who had grown to love the talented singer and rapper during his time with the group. Although JYP Entertainment cited “personal reasons” as the cause of his departure, rumors and speculation about the true reasons have persisted.

Despite the controversies surrounding his departure, Woojin has continued to pursue his music career as a solo artist, while Stray Kids has thrived as an eight-member group, releasing several successful albums and touring around the world.

While the true reasons behind Woojin’s departure may never be known, one thing is clear: the impact of his time with Stray Kids, and his departure from the group, will continue to be felt by both the band’s members and their dedicated fans for years to come.

FAQs

Who is Woojin?

Woojin is a former member of the South Korean boy band, Stray Kids. He was a vocalist and rapper in the group.

When did Woojin leave Stray Kids?

Woojin left Stray Kids on October 27, 2019.

What were the reasons for Woojin’s departure from Stray Kids?

JYP Entertainment, the agency that manages Stray Kids, cited “personal reasons” as the cause of Woojin’s departure. However, rumors and speculation about the true reasons have persisted.

What is Woojin doing after leaving Stray Kids?

After leaving Stray Kids, Woojin took a break from the spotlight for several months before making his solo debut in May 2020 with the single “Still Dream.” He has since released several other solo singles and has been actively promoting his music on social media.

Will Woojin return to Stray Kids in the future?

There has been no official word from either JYP Entertainment or Woojin himself about the possibility of his return to Stray Kids. However, many fans remain hopeful that he will one day rejoin the group and continue making music with his former bandmates.