In a deeply personal and unexpected development shaking the K-pop and Korean drama world, multi-talented artist Kwon Eunbin has officially announced her permanent retirement from the entertainment industry.
On June 16, 2026, the former member of the girl group CLC took to her personal social media account to share a lengthy, vulnerable message addressing her fans and the public.
In her statement, she detailed the emotional toll of a decade-long career that began in her adolescence, explaining her carefully considered decision to leave behind the spotlight and embrace a quiet, fulfilling life as a non-celebrity.
Reflections on a Decade-Long Journey: The Emotional Toll of Early Fame
Kwon Eunbin first captured the public’s attention ten years ago in 2016 as a standout teenage contestant on Mnet’s highly competitive survival audition show, “Produce 101.”
Her immense charm and star potential quickly led to her joining Cube Entertainment’s active girl group, CLC.
Over the next decade, Eunbin successfully balanced a demanding dual career, building a respected name for herself as both an idol singer and a versatile television actress.
She starred in notable K-dramas such as Bad Papa, Dear.M, At a Distance, Spring is Green, Youth of May, and Netflix’s Hierarchy, earning praise for her evolving performance skills.
However, behind the glamour of her public achievements lay a quiet, exhausting struggle with the mental and emotional pressures of the industry.
In her letter, Eunbin reflected deeply on her transition from a teenage star to a young adult, revealing that the constant exposure and industry demands left her grappling with profound internal instability.
Rather than finding pure fulfillment in her creative work, she frequently dealt with overarching feelings of emptiness and persistent anxiety regarding her present stability and future direction- a painful reality that eventually forced her to re-evaluate what true happiness meant to her.
Choosing a Non-Celebrity Life: A Commitment to Personal Happiness and Closure
Eunbin’s announcement comes just three weeks after her exclusive contract with her longtime agency, Cube Entertainment, officially concluded in late May.
Her retirement letter highlights a conscious, definitive break from the hollow relationships and anxieties that often plague high-profile careers.
She expressed a firm desire to heal, announcing that she will no longer be accepting personal messages or queries going forward.
To provide a clean, professional finish to her career, Eunbin confirmed that she will gracefully fulfill her remaining entertainment obligations, officially stepping down from the industry entirely upon the conclusion of CLC’s previously scheduled overseas group activities.
The raw honesty of her departure has resonated deeply with global fans, who are actively celebrating her bravery for putting her mental peace above public status.
Eunbin ensured that every individual who walked beside her felt her immense gratitude, leaving her fans with an unfiltered look into her heart as she steps away from the stage for good.
Kwon Eunbin’s Complete Statement to Her Fans:
“Hello, this is Kwon Eunbin.
I am sorry for causing concern to many people due to the unexpected news articles recently.
I felt it was my duty to personally inform everyone who has supported me of my current situation and my decision, which is why I am writing this.
Throughout my approximately 10 years of activities in the entertainment industry, I was happy in every moment thanks to the undeserved love and support from fans, and I am sincerely grateful for that.
During my long career, which began in my teens, I naturally found myself thinking more and more about my past, present, and future as time passed.
After long deliberation, I have decided to live a life as a non-celebrity.
Looking back on the past, I realized that I spent most of my time suffering from feelings of emptiness and anxiety about the present and future rather than having affection and love for my work.
Instead of making an effort to overcome those negative emotions and grow, I spent a regrettable amount of time trying to avoid and resolve them.
I was wasting my precious time on meaningless hours that were of no benefit to me and on human relationships that were nothing more than empty shells with no substance to be found.
I felt a great sense of regret for my foolish past self and the time I spent, and I have now decided to leave all those negative times and emotions behind and spend my time pursuing a better and happier future.
These days, I am spending time filled with newer and happier emotions than ever before.
I apologize for not being able to reply individually to everyone who reached out with sincere support and concern, but I will not be accepting any personal messages or questions from now on, and I will cherish only the grateful hearts you have sent me.
I plan to conclude all entertainment activities after CLC’s previously scheduled group activities overseas.
I sincerely thank you for all the support you have shown me, and I wish everyone happiness. Thankyou.
