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Girl group Nature disbands after Japanese member rumored to have become hostess

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K-pop girl group Nature / Courtesy of n.CH Entertainment

K-pop girl group Nature / Courtesy of n.CH Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

K-pop girl group Nature announced its dissolution on Saturday after its Japanese member Haru, 24, was rumored to be working as a hostess at a "kyabacura" — an adult entertainment establishment — in Japan.

The announcement came three days after a kyabacura promotional video introducing a woman named Sakura Ruru went viral. The clip features a woman who says she worked as a K-pop singer for six years since she was 18, and shows a photo of Haru during a promotional event for Nature. Some internet users also discovered that Ruru's birthday and blood type match those of Haru.

"I have been working at this bar for three months," Ruru says in the video. "I need to make money to set up a dance studio ... I was not a good drinker until a year ago, but now I think I am pretty good at drinking."

The clip sparked a debate among numerous online users, with many of them claiming that Ruru and Haru are the same person. In the wake of the controversy, Haru left a message on her social media account on Friday, saying, "I am thankful to those who support me. I have many things to say, but it is difficult for me to speak right now. Please wait for me a little bit."

Haru of K-pop girl group Nature / Courtesy of n.CH Entertainment

Haru of K-pop girl group Nature / Courtesy of n.CH Entertainment

On the next day, Nature's agency, n.CH Entertainment confirmed the group's disbandment on its official fan community page.

"Nature, which has been working hard for several years since its debut, will end its official group activities," the company said in a statement.

"We are so sorry to deliver this news to the fans who have been looking forward to Nature's return. Following an in-depth discussion, our company and the Nature members decided to put an end to the group's activities, with the members going their separate ways."

The agency did not confirm whether Haru has been working as a hostess. It only revealed that Sohee will be the only member to maintain her partnership with n.CH Entertainment.

Nature debuted with the album, "Girls and Flowers" in 2018 and rolled out a series of songs including, "Girls" (2020). Its last album, "Nature World : Code W" was released in 2022.

Dong Sun-hwa sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr


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