Jurina Matsui quits South Korean idol show ‘Produce 48’
One of South Korean hit idol survival show Produce 48’s most popular contestants, Jurina Matsui from Japanese girl group SKE48, has dropped out of the show due to health issues, according to a report on Sunday from English-language K-pop news site Allkpop that quoted a source from SKE48.
“Jurina Matsui has been taking a break from promotions due to her health for a while now. She’ll be taking a temporary hiatus from SKE48 group promotions to focus on taking care of herself,” the article wrote.
The news triggered numerous discussions on social media in China and overseas. Fans expressed their disappointment over not being able to see their idol on the show again but wished her an early recovery.
Produce 48 brings together 57 girls from South Korean entertainment companies as well as 39 girls from Japanese idol groups to compete for one of 12 spots in a new international girl group.