Japanese idol Jurina Matsui may drop out of the popular Korean survival reality show “Produce 48” due to failing health.

Matsui, who also belongs to the Japanese idol group SKE48, may need to drop out of “Produce 48” despite doing well in terms of popularity among the Korean audience. The reason being cited is to address health issues. She was also absent at SKE48’s single release event on July 1, reports Korean outlet The Bigdata via Koreaboo.

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Prior to the single release event, the SKE48 theater manager tweeted an apology on June 30 about Matsui’s health. He then assured fans of Matsui’s desire to meet them and thank them herself.

“Produce 48” will have a new round of filming starting July 16. Fans have started to assume that Matsui would have dropped out of the show by then if she does not show up for the filming.

“Produce 48” is a survival reality show made in collaboration with the Korean Mnet series “Produce 101” and Japanese idol group AKB48. The show centers on the goal of producing a 12-member idol girl group from a pool of 96 contestants from Japan and Korea. For the Japanese contestants, they get instant interpretation feeds during the show through earpieces.

Selection falls on a voting system in participation of Korean viewers. This system will also vote on the group’s concept, debut single and group name. The final team of 12 will then promote as a group for two and a half years. Alfred Bayle /ra

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