Prior to the announcement, fans on X shared fancam clips – videos focused on individual members – which they claimed showed Kim appearing physically uncomfortable during recent performances.
One post uploaded on May 16 alleged that during a performance of the group’s latest release, Celebration, Kim appeared to have difficulty moving her neck while dancing.
“Looks like Chaewon’s neck is still hurting. I really hope she’s okay and taking care of herself,” the user wrote.
The group – comprising Kim, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha and Hong Eunchae – is preparing for its second world tour, Pureflow, following the release of its upcoming second studio album, Pureflow Pt 1, on May 22.
The tour will begin in Incheon, South Korea, on Jul 11 and 12, with a stop in Singapore on Nov 28.
