Five long-standing MNL48 members will no longer be part of the idol group moving forward, as announced by its management agency HalloHallo Entertainment Inc. (HHE) yesterday.
Through an online press release, HHE disclosed that First Generation members Thea Itona, Alyssa Garcia, Kay Ishiyama, Tin Coloso, and Grace Buenaventura are set to graduate from the group and the idol industry due to reasons “they respect and understand”.
The sudden announcement came after the release of the docu-video for “Sampung Taon ng Sakura,” the coupling song for the idol group’s 6th Single, RIVER, last September 11, in which the five members were part of its senbatsu.
The graduating members gave brief messages of gratitude to their fans who have followed them throughout their respective stints as members of MNL48.
“I really appreciate your support from the start until this journey ends,” Ishiyama stated. Meanwhile, Itona expressed that there are no regrets in her decision to leave. “I know we all fought hard and I’m very grateful to all my CommuniThea (her fan club), MNLoves and MNL48 family,” she added.
Buenaventura gave her accolades to the fandom, saying thanks “for always making me feel loved since day one,” while Garcia promised them that they won’t see the last of them as they exit the idol group. “As much as I’ve enjoyed my time as an MNL48 member, it’s time for me to move forward and pursue my other goals,” she said.
Coloso, on the other hand, treated her stay as a remarkable experience and life lesson. “Thank you for all the love and support. Many memories are treasured and I will keep it in my heart,” she added.
Being a part of the idol group since its debut in 2018, the five members may have started from different ways but eventually found their footing over time. Ishiyama, who was a former Morning Musume trainee, was appointed captain of Team L. Coloso was part of the first-ever Kami-7 (Top 7 members) which headlined MNL48’s first single “Aitakatta Gustong Makita,” while Buenaventura and Garcia established their reputation as one of the best dance artists inside the group. Itona came from being part of the Next Girls to a sturdy and confident performer.
With the latest set of departures, Dian Mercado is the only member of the group’s Team L left inside the official roster. Furthermore, this cuts the number of remaining First Generation members to 14.