On Might 12, DRIPPIN followers have been left in shock after Woollim Leisure introduced that two members — Lee Hyeop and Kim Dongyun—would be stepping away from the group’s actions for an indefinite interval.
The official assertion launched by the company was temporary and imprecise, merely citing “private schedules” as the rationale behind the hiatus.
Hi there,
That is Woollim Leisure.We wish to inform you relating to the schedule of DRIPPIN members, LEE HYEOP and KIM DONGYUN. Attributable to private schedules, LEE HYEOP and KIM DONGYUN is not going to be taking part in DRIPPIN’s group actions in the meanwhile.
We sincerely apologize for the sudden announcement and any concern this will trigger to followers. We kindly ask on your beneficiant understanding. Thanks.
— Woollim Leisure
Following the announcement, followers flooded social media with questions and considerations. Many expressed disappointment over the shortage of detailed rationalization, with some demanding extra transparency from the company.
Simply pls state the explanations, we wish the explanations, not simply babbling say
— koalaquarius (@koalaquarius) Might 12, 2025
The time period “private schedules” has solely fueled hypothesis about the true motive behind the sudden break.
250511 #DRIPPIN #LEEHYEOP and #KIMDONGYUN are additionally anticipated to look on Mnet’s survival present
. HYEOP and DONGYUN have each beforehand joined Mnet’s survival present in 2019 #PRODUCEX101 earlier than debuting to ‘DRIPPIN’.
The announcement of their non permanent suspension… pic.twitter.com/ZLLoIlUDRQ
— BOYS II PLANET Ok GLOBAL (@BOYS2PLANETGL) Might 12, 2025
How about cease sending your bgs to survival reveals and as a substitute work your ass with their promotions 😃 https://t.co/lfavkJxbmJ
— kina (@mysoul_inspirit) Might 12, 2025
no no pls no
— Anker (@Annnnn_ker) Might 12, 2025
One widespread principle amongst followers is that the 2 idols could also be becoming a member of an upcoming survival present. This hypothesis isn’t with out context — in latest weeks, a number of male idols have gone on non permanent hiatuses, together with DKB’s Harry June and Heechan, in addition to VERIVERY’s Dongheon, Gyehyeon, and Kangmin. The timing of those bulletins has led many to imagine there’s a connection to a brand new competition-based program.
Wave Of Male Idols From A number of Teams Announce Hiatus — Sparking Concern
The likelihood has sparked combined reactions. Some followers are hopeful, seeing it as a brand new alternative for publicity, whereas others are essential of companies counting on survival reveals as a substitute of correctly selling current teams. Considerations have additionally been raised about such reveals taking away possibilities from lesser-known trainees in want of a debut.
As of now, Woollim Leisure has not addressed the rumors.
