[instiz] IDOL RIKU, WITHDRAWS FROM TEAM DUE TO 'UNDERAGE SMOKING'... ALSO LEFT THE AGENCY

Riku Koshiba (21), a member of the Japanese group AmBitious, announced his indefinite hiatus from activities and eventually left the group.

On the 27th, the agency Smile Up announced on its official website, "Riku Koshiba will be leaving the agency on January 31st." AmBitious added that they will continue their activities as an eight-member group after Riku Koshiba's withdrawal.

Riku Koshiba was at the center of controversy in June last year when a photo of him smoking as a minor went viral on SNS. He announced an indefinite hiatus from activities for self-reflection, but eventually withdrew from the group and left his agency.

source: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/213/0001285076

original post: here

1. ah this was shocking

2. Wow so Japan is really this strict about underage smoking..

3. Wow this was freaking shocking

4. Why is everyone so shocked here?

> Because there's also a Riku in NCT Wish

> I thought it was about Niziu..

5. So he left the team because he's a smoker? Wow

6. Wow looks like Japan really are sensitive about underage smoking

7. Ah it shocked me, I thought we were talking NCT's Riku

8. If he stops smoking, will there be a chance of his comeback?