FNC Entertainment posted an official statement on Saturday, Oct. 15 that AOA's Youkyung has ended her contract with the company. However, the drummer will continue to participate in AOA projects as an honorary member.

"We would like to announce the fact that our contract with AOA's drummer Youkyung has come to an end," FNC Entertainment said on AOA's official fan café, Soompi reported. "We were able to arrive on this conclusion after a long and thorough discussion, and we ultimately decided to respect Youkyung's wishes.Despite the fact that Youkyung's contract has ended with our label, she plans to join AOA for the group's band projects as an honorary member by fulfilling her role as the drummer," it added.

The agency also thanked fans who supported Youkyung, and asked them to continue their love for AOA as well as Youkyung who is heading to a new start.

Youkyung debuted with AOA (Ace of Angels) in 2012; however, the idol was not very much active in the group's activities. She last promoted with AOA sub-unit, AOA Black, together with other AOA members Jimin, Choa, Yuna, and Mina in 2013 with "MOYA" track.

Focusing on some of the members' individual activities in 2015, the girl group hinted on a comeback for the full group and sub-unit, AOA Black, including Youkyung on Jan. 1, 2017. "In addition to practicing choreography, the members are also preparing for a subunit band comeback with Youkyung," a representative of the group said, as cited by Kpopstarz. However, it was later announced that Chanmi, Hyejeong and Yuna will promote as a unit group.

Fans are saddened by the drummer's departure but said the news was not shocking, citing that Youkyung didn't have much appearances in the group's activities on television or even in their music videos since her debut in 2012. They also wished the idol could find a "new home" which could utilize her talents better.