TOKYO (TR) – Lapone Girls, the agency behind girl group ME:I, updated their official website on Thursday to issue a statement about “factual inaccuracies” inside an article published the same day that quotes a former member.
The article, published on the site of weekly tabloid Shukan Bunshun, includes commentary by former member Kokoro Kato about the “truth behind her departure.” Kato herself and her attorney also released statements.
The statement read, “Some media outlets published an article about a former ME:I member. Since certain statements in the article are not factual, we will refrain from making any further comment due to contractual and privacy concerns. We apologize to our fans for any concern this may have caused. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support.”
The statement continued, “We will continue to provide support and create an environment where ME:I members can focus on their artistic activities with peace of mind. We appreciate your continued support of ME:I.”
On the same day, Shukan Bunshun‘s online edition published an exposé titled, “140-Minute Exclusive Confession: ME:I’s Kokoro Kato Reveals the Truth Behind Her Departure for the First Time!”
In the evening, Kato released a statement through her lawyer. She said, “I definitely wanted to return and show you a healthy appearance again. I wanted to repay you all for your support by shining and having fun in the midst of your glow sticks as COCORO of ME:I at least one last time. I’m truly disappointed, but I’m grateful that you continued to show me so much love even while I was waiting.”
Regarding the “results of the investigation” by Lapone Girls, her lawyer denied the agency’s announcement on March 29, 2025 that Kato was taking sick leave, stating that she was in “good health.”
Kato also denied the contents of another weekly magazine’s article that reported on her supposed poor behavior. She stated, “We have requested the publishing company to remove the article, and have informed them that we will be forced to consider legal action if [my] reputation is not restored.”
