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Their agency Happy Face Entertainment rep announced Kim Young Jae's departure from the group on the 14th, "4men's oldest hyung Kim Young Jae's contract with our agency expired last month and he has decided to leave the team and go solo... 4men's 5th full-length album to be released next month will be his final album and Shin Yong Jae and Kim Won Joo plan to conduct their new album activities as two members."

"We discussed with Young Jae a lot and made this decision for his future and growth. Although he left the agency and 4men, we ask that you show your love and support for Young Jae's future activities."

Kim Young Jae shared through the agency, "As I started my music career as a 4men member, I was really happy. I sincerely thank everyone who loved and supported me up until now... Please continue to love 4men without change and I will go on my own solo career and return the love given to me through various activities. I ask for your anticipate and support."

Netizens also started to question the reason for Kim Young Jae's departure from 4men as it was also reported that Kim Young Jae was being accused of fraud. A worker in the entertainment industry Mr. A filed a complaint against Kim Young Jae to the Seoul Central District Court for not repaying the 650,000,000 KRW (623,000 USD) he owes in borrowed money plus interest.

Happy Face Entertainment responded, "It is his personal business and since our contract with Kim Young Jae is over, we do not know the details. First off, Kim Young Jae expressed his intention to settles things personally and amicably. We are aware that he aims to resolve [the dispute]."