Nam Tae Hyun is officially leaving South Korean boy band WINNER and YG Entertainment. The agency announced that the group will continue as a four-member band.
Previously, it was revealed that that 22-year-old singer will be on an indefinite hiatus from WINNER due to mental health issues. A statement from the label read: "After lengthy discussions with Nam Tae Hyun it was judged that it would be difficult for him to continue activities through WINNER. His exclusive contract got cancelled on November 18."
The note added: "The remaining members made his health and recovery the priority and hoped for improvement, but it's difficult to say when he will recover and return because it's a psychological issue he has dealt with since he was young. Although Nam Tae Hyun cannot be with WINNER now, we hope that they will be colleagues who support each other's future individual music activities. WINNER will not gain a new member and will remain as a 4-member group. We ask for a lot of support four members of WINNER who will make a new start and for Nam Tae Hyun."
Shortly after the news was announced, Tae Hyun's images was deleted from the WINNER's official Facebook page, official site, and YouTube channel. Fans expressed their anger as the agency used the group's debut photos, and not new images.
One fan wrote: "Maaaan. You should have took a new picture. Not use an old one and quit Taehyun. It's so baaaad. Anyway. . Guys my best wishes for you."
One one stated: "Why do you do this? It is supposed that things ended up peacefully with Taehyun. Why don't you just leave the debut photos as they are and when WINNER starts promoting as four members, you post this kind of photos? THIS IS NOT ALRIGHT!"
