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March 2023 is off to a gloomy start especially for the fans of K-pop group ASTRO after news broke out yesterday, February 28, that member Rocky has left the group.

Korean entertainment site Soompi shared an official statement from Fantagio, the agency handling the career of ASTRO since the group's debut in 2016.

“First, we would like to sincerely thank all the fans who give ASTRO their love and support.

“After a deep discussion with Rocky, who has been with us as a member of ASTRO for the past seven years, it has been decided that he will be ending both his exclusive contract with our agency and his activities as a member of ASTRO.”

Still, the agency expressed their full support to Rocky saying, “We thank Rocky for doing his utmost for a long time as a member of ASTRO, and we will be sincerely rooting for Rocky in the future.”

Fantagio added, “ASTRO will continue on as a five-member group in the future, and together with Fantagio, the members will be focusing on unit and solo activities for the time being. We plan to actively give them our unsparing support so that [the members] can be active in a wide variety of areas.”

Meanwhile, allkpop.com also released a letter from Rocky addressed to his former members and their fandom AROHA.

He wrote, “I will be leaving Fantagio, who I have been with for 14 years and will end my activities with ASTRO. The time promoting as ASTRO's Rocky was very precious to me.

“My members, who have been with me during those times and especially AROHAs, my biggest strengths, I thank you all sincerely.”

Rocky added, “Thanks to your overflowing love and encouragement, I could grow and learn a lot.

“No matter where I am, I will not forget the memories I made with the members and AROHAs and cherish them carefully.”

ASTRO fans across the world were either shocked or devastated with the latest news. In fact, Sparkle hunk Luke Conde left a comment on Rocky's IG photo to express his sadness over what happened.

Source: p_rocky (IG)

In a previous interview, Luke admitted that he is a huge fan of K-pop, including ASTRO.

He said then, "Nagkataon kasi na si Moonbin 'yung bias ko sa ASTRO so mas nakatutok ako du'n sa styling na ginagawa sa kanya. Actually, kahit sino namang K-pop artist basta nakitaan ko na magaling pumorma o maganda 'yung songs I really appreciate it. Isa siya sa happy pill ko talaga especially ngayong may pandemic."

AROHAs, What are your thoughts about Rocky leaving ASTRO?

MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT THE K-POP GROUPS THAT HAVE DISBANDED IN THIS GALLERY: