Bang Yedam and Mashiho are officially leaving TREASURE, the K-pop group they debuted in back in 2020. TREASURE's agency, YG Entertainment, shared the news on November 8 with an announcement posted to the group's Weverse.
The company began its statement by thanking fans, known as TREASURE MAKERS or Teume for short, for the support and love the group has received. "Today, we have an important announcement about TREASURE's future activities," the statement continued. "Going forward, TREASURE transforms into a 10-member group."
YG also shared that the decision to terminate Mashiho and Bang Yedam's contracts with the company was "mutually agreed" and came after a "long and careful discussion" between all parties. In the case of Mashiho, the reason for the termination is so he "could have enough time to recover from his health condition," whereas Bang Yedam is choosing to "pursue his career as a producer."
Bang Yedam and Mashiho first halted their activities with the group back in May, later citing "personal and health reasons." Their hiatus followed the release of the group's first mini-album, The Second Step: Chapter One, which contained title track "직진 (JIKJIN)" as well as the fan- and TikTok-favorite "DARARI," which was co-written and produced by Bang Yedam.
Though their official departure was not yet confirmed, the group has continued to operate as a 10-member unit since then, holding concerts and making a comeback without the two stars with the release of their second mini-album, The Second Step: Chapter Two, in October.
"Knowing that all of TREASURE's fans have been waiting for Mashiho and Bang Yedam, we are very sad about their departure as they have been with TREASURE from the beginning," YG's statement announcing the departure read. "We ask for your continuing support for Mashiho and Bang Yedam."
