K-Pop Girl Group SISTAR is Officially Disbanding

Starship Entertainment announced the group’s fate in a tweet on Monday, thanking fans for their love and support:

“SISTAR’s disbandment is a very disappointing and painful thing, but we believe that it is the best to support the road that each members want. We will be doing our best to support the members’ futures,” the label wrote.

Meanwhile, members Hyorin, Bora, Soyu and Dasom also wrote letters to STAR1, their fans (translation via allkpop):

Hyorin: “The time I spent as SISTAR’s Hyorin along with SISTAR and my fans was a precious time that I wouldn’t change for anything else. They were like a dream.”

Bora: “When fans told me they got strength from my brightness, I got stronger. I won’t forget that and keep getting stronger.”

Soyu: “No matter what stage I stand on from now on, I won’t ever forget this feeling I have for the members and our fans. I love you, I’m sorry, and thank you. I’ll let you hear good music. Let’s all be happy until the last moment.”

Dasom: “We received so much love as SISTAR, and we want to give it back bit by bit by ourselves from now on. I will try to communicate more with fans from now on.”

SISTAR, which debuted in 2010 with “Push Push,” is considered by many K-Pop fans as a legendary group as they established themselves in the era of Korea’s arguably best girl groups such as 2NE1, After School, f(x), Girls’ Generation and Wonder Girls.

SISTAR rose to popularity with catchy singles such as “Ma Boy,” “So Cool,” “Give It To Me,” “Alone” and “Touch My Body,” among others.

Fans however are still lucky as the group will release their last album on May 31. As per Soompi, the title track “Lonely” will be out on the date at 6 p.m. KST.

Hang on, STAR1, and let’s continue to love SISTAR!