Overseasidol.com — Former ME:I member Kato Cocoro has broken her silence, revealing startling details behind her departure from the popular girl group.
In an emotional confession, the 25-year-old idol claimed that the health issues cited as the reason for her hiatus were exaggerated or even fabricated by her agency.
Holding back tears, Cocoro stated that she was not seriously ill at the time she was forced to suspend activities.
Despite this, the agency announced to the public that she was taking a break due to health concerns. Cocoro emphasized that she continued to hope for a comeback until the very end of her contract, determined to show fans that she was healthy and ready to perform.
ME:I was formed in December 2023 through a high-profile audition program and quickly rose to fame.
Their debut single Click became a major hit, earning them a spot on NHK’s iconic Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The group is managed by LAPONE GIRLS, a joint venture between Japan’s Yoshimoto Kogyo and South Korea’s CJ ENM.
The group, however, faced significant upheaval in 2025. Cocoro went on hiatus in March, and by the end of the year, her contract officially expired.
At the same time, three other members RAN, SHIZUKU, and KOKONA also departed the group, triggering widespread speculation.
On her final day as a member, Cocoro released a statement through the agency, expressing deep sadness and regret over the way her departure unfolded. She described the farewell as painful and far from what she had hoped for.
