K-pop group Loona pushes back return amid ex-member Chuu's bullying controversy

Loona was set to return as an 11-member act with the EP 'The Origin Album [0]' on Jan 3, 2023. – Photo: Blockberry Creative

Loona decided to put a hold on their album release, announced agency Blockberry Creative earlier this week.

The group was set to return as an 11-member act with the EP The Origin Album [0] on Jan 3, 2023, despite being in the middle of controversy surrounding the agency’s firing of Chuu for bullying employees.

"We have come to the conclusion that promoting the album without solving the situation is meaningless," said the management firm.

Launching the group has been a long-term project that required investment which was not easy for the small agency to bear, they admitted.

The group was about to see their preparation come alive for the first time in six years, but a change in one member’s attitude led to a change in the contract, the agency added, referring to Chuu who has been the first from the group to carve out a solo career. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network