Group ME:I confirms transition to seven members with four artists leaving in 2026 By Luís Henrique Costa
6 min read
 |
The Japanese entertainment scene saw significant movement with the announcement of the restructuring of popular girl group ME:I. The LAPONE GIRLS agency officially announced, on December 22, 2025, the dismissal of four members, marking a transition that will lead the group to operate with seven members from January 2026.
The news surprised the fan base and industry observers, especially considering the rapid growth and popularity achieved by ME:I since its formation. The sudden announcement raises questions about the group’s dynamic future and the adaptation of the remaining members.
Three of the artists were already on hiatus for different reasons prior to the announcement, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The company expressed gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the four singers and requested the understanding and continued support of admirers during this period of change.
The history of ME:I’s rise
ME:I was formed in 2023, the result of the acclaimed survival show “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS”, which captivated millions of viewers across the Japão. The group made its official debut in April 2024, featuring a total of 11 members who were meticulously selected through popular voting, a format that had previously proven its success in creating other idol groups. The initial formation of ME:I was notable for including members with previous experience in various musical projects, which contributed to a solid base of talent and recognition from the beginning.
The group’s debut with the single “MIRAI” was an instant success, catapulting them into the spotlight and ensuring a rapid rise up the music charts. ME:I’s popularity was such that they won a spot at the prestigious NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in late 2024, one of Japão’s most important music events, further consolidating their position in the industry. In 2025, the release of their first album, “WHO I AM”, cemented the group’s presence in the competitive Japanese idol market, expanding their influence and fan base globally.
Profile of the artists who say goodbye to the group
COCORO, the most experienced member at 25 years old, had a notable track record in a Korean group before joining ME:I, standing out for her expressiveness and stage presence in all performances. Embora had been away since March 2025 for health reasons, there were recent reports indicating that she had resumed training, which made her departure even more unexpected for many. Sua vocal and performance contribution was an important pillar in the group’s initial identity.
RAN, aged 21, played a crucial role as sub-leader of ME:I, bringing with him valuable experience from another musical ensemble. Sua pause in activities began in July 2025, motivated by mental fatigue, a common challenge faced by artists in the entertainment industry. SHIZUKU, also 21 years old, had his activities suspended in October of the same year, after identifying conduct that the agency considered contrary to its internal rules.
The surprise of Kokona’s departure
The inclusion of KOKONA, 19 years old, on the list of members who will leave was one of the biggest surprises for fans and observers. Diferentemente of the other three, KOKONA maintained active participation in all of the group’s activities until the moment of the announcement, without any prior indication of withdrawal or problems. Sua sudden departure generated speculation and concern among ME:I’s fan base.
The new formation and its seven members
From January 2026, ME:I will operate with seven members, who will continue to continue the group’s activities with the support of LAPONE GIRLS. The agency reinforced its commitment to the future of the group and asked fans to closely follow this new phase, ensuring that the talent and dedication of the remaining members will be the driving force for the continuity of the project. The expectation is that the group will maintain the energy and identity that won over the public since the beginning, adapting to the new format.
The seven artists who will remain active are:
Contract details and official statement
The decision to dismiss the four members involves the formal termination of their exclusive management contracts with LAPONE GIRLS, with effect from December 31, 2025. The agency, in its official statement, chose not to detail the individual reasons for each departure, limiting itself to informing the end of the management relationship. Essa stance is common in the industry, aiming to protect the privacy of artists and the company.
The official text released by LAPONE GIRLS expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and efforts of COCORO, RAN, SHIZUKU and KOKONA during the period they were part of ME:I. The company also reiterated its request for understanding from fans and asked them to continue supporting the group in its new phase. Até At the moment, there were no personal comments from the members directly involved in the transition.
Schedule of activities and releases
ME:I held a successful arena tour throughout 2025, culminating in a final show at Tóquio on December 14th. Durante these presentations, the absences of some members were already noted due to the previously announced breaks, which already prepared the ground for a possible reconfiguration of the group.
Even with the temporary line-up reductions, the group maintained an active and productive schedule, intensely promoting the album “WHO I AM” throughout the year. Projetos as digital singles and special events were carefully planned to sustain fan engagement and ensure ME:I’s visibility, demonstrating the team’s resilience in the face of hardship.
Adaptations and challenges for the new cycle
From January 2026, ME:I will face the challenge of adjusting its performances and strategies with a reduced lineup. The agency plans to adapt the choreography and musical arrangements to accommodate the remaining seven members, ensuring that the quality and synchrony that have become the group’s trademarks are maintained. Essa restructuring will require a period of readjustment and intense work on the part of the artists and the production team.
The expectations of the market and fans revolve around how the group will be able to maintain the musical and visual identity that it has built with so much effort since the audition program. The management model, which is inspired by Korean idol training and promotion systems, undergoes a significant adjustment with this change. Observadores of the industry will closely monitor ME:I’s ability to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive and demanding entertainment market, seeking to solidify its position.
The initial repercussion among fans
The ME:I fan base expressed a mixture of surprise and concern at the sudden announcement, especially given the number of simultaneous departures in a group that is still in its early years of career. Discussions on social media and online forums reflect apprehension about the stability and future direction of the project, which has consolidated a solid foundation with hits and awards in just over a year of debut.
The agency opted for direct and blunt communication, which, although transparent, left many questions unanswered about the deeper reasons behind individual decisions. Esse type of restructuring is always a delicate time for idol groups, and how ME:I and LAPONE GIRLS manage this transition will be crucial to public perception and the group’s continued success.
The artistic future of ME:I
With the new lineup, the focus falls heavily on the remaining seven members, which include leader MOMONA and other members who play central roles in vocals and dancing. Maintaining the release schedule and planned presentations will be essential to ensure artistic continuity and connection with fans.
This transition represents a turning point in the trajectory, albeit short, but already intense, of the group. ME:I’s resilience and its members’ ability to adapt will be put to the test as they seek to reaffirm their place in the music scene. LAPONE GIRLS reiterated its gratitude to the four members for their valuable contribution and asked for renewed support from fans for the next phase.