COCORO, formerly of ME:I, denies health issues cited for her hiatus and threatens legal action over false reports of misconduct.
January/15/2026 12:12Related Groups & Members
Last year, COCORO, who left ME:I, released a statement through her lawyer. On the 14th, COCORO clarified that the official announcement from her former agency about her "health issues leading to a halt in activities" is not true. Her legal representative stated, "On March 29 last year, the agency LAPONE GIRLS announced that 'COCORO has been experiencing ongoing health issues and, based on the doctor's judgment, needs to take a break from activities.' However, we received responses from all the doctors who examined COCORO stating that no specific diagnosis was made, and the medical record created by the doctor on March 20, 2025, noted that 'her current health condition is good.'" Regarding reports that she was dismissed due to misconduct, she explained, "There is no fact of misconduct or dismissal, and the management contract will expire as per the contract on December 31, 2025. Furthermore, the article stated that 'the agency warned her and sought rehabilitation several times,' but it has been confirmed that there was no prior interview regarding this article. In response, we are demanding the deletion of the article and have conveyed that if her honor cannot be restored, we will have no choice but to consider legal action." On the same day, COCORO denied the agency's official statement about her health issues in an interview with 'Shukan Bunshun.' She stated, "I have never said I wanted to take a break" and claimed, "The agency fabricated 'illness.'" This has caused a shock. ME:I is a girl group formed through the audition program 'PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS.' COCORO also previously participated as a member of Cherry Bullet. - ME:I, four members to leave the group... Exclusive contract with LAPONE also ends (official) - ME:I, three members who ended activities released comments, "Deeply reflecting on their immature actions."
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