Fans of the rising Gen Z girl group KiiiKiii were met with concerning news regarding member Kya’s health just as the group’s spring festival schedule began to peak.
On May 8, 2026, Starship Entertainment released an official statement announcing that Kya would be unable to participate in the day’s scheduled performance at the Chosun University Daedongje festival.
The announcement follows a sudden decline in her physical condition that required an immediate medical evaluation, leading to a diagnosis that necessitates a temporary pause in her activities to ensure a full and speedy recovery.
According to the agency, Kya visited a clinic earlier that day after experiencing significant discomfort.
Medical professionals diagnosed her with acute gastritis, a condition characterized by sudden inflammation of the stomach lining, which often causes sharp pain and nausea.
Given the physically demanding nature of K-pop choreography and the high energy required for university festival stages, the medical team advised that immediate rest was paramount.
The agency acted quickly to prioritize her long-term well-being over the immediate commitment, ensuring she received the necessary treatment and time to recuperate away from the spotlight.
Official Agency Statement and Necessary Rest Period
In their formal notice to the public and the student body at Chosun University, Starship Entertainment emphasized their commitment to Kya’s health as their primary concern. The agency stated,
“Following the medical team’s opinion that rest is absolutely necessary after treatment, Kiya will be unable to attend the Chosun University Daedongje festival scheduled for today.”
This transparent communication was aimed at managing fan expectations while explaining the member’s absence from the highly anticipated event.
The label further requested the understanding of the fans, known as TiiiKiii, and the event organizers, remarking,
“We ask for your broad understanding regarding this decision that prioritizes the artist’s health above all else.”
They concluded by assuring the public that they would “do our utmost to support the artist’s recovery” so that she can return to the stage as soon as she is medically cleared to do so.
While the rest of the members- Jiyu, Isol, Sui, and Haum- proceeded with the performance to fulfill their promise to the fans, Kiya’s absence was deeply felt by both the group and the audience.
Impact on the “KiiiKiii FesTiiival” and Future Schedules
This health setback comes at an incredibly busy time for the group, as they have been balancing a packed itinerary involving international travel and domestic performances.
Just last weekend, the group was reportedly performing in Macao (or Taiwan), and they are currently in the final stages of preparation for their very first fan concert.
Titled “2026 KiiiKiii FesTiiival,” the two-day event is scheduled to take place at the Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul on May 16 and 17.
Because this is their first major intimate interaction with fans since their debut, there is significant hope that Kya will be able to recover in time for the concert.
Acute gastritis typically requires a strict diet and a stress-free environment for a few days to a week, meaning Kya’s schedule for the immediate future will likely be “within a manageable range,” similar to other artists facing minor health hurdles.
The group’s recent success with their 2nd EP Delulu Pack and the chart-topping single “404 (New Era)” has placed a high level of pressure on the young members, with fans on social media noting that Kya is only 15 years old.
This has sparked a broader conversation within the fandom about the intensity of rookie schedules.
For now, the focus remains entirely on her rehabilitation, with fans flooding social platforms with messages of support, eagerly awaiting the day she can rejoin her members and perform their signature “tikitaka” chemistry once again.
