Earlier today, S Media Entertainment made a striking announcement regarding the lineup change in the viral third generation girl group LAYSHA. Sia, a prominent member of the group, has decided to part ways, marking a significant shift in the group’s dynamics.
| @laysha__official/Instagram
While the departure of a group member is typically a somber affair, it’s the manner in which the company chose to reveal this news that has raised eyebrows and caused a stir online. Remarkably, this isn’t the first instance of S Media Entertainment employing such an unconventional method for announcing lineup changes.
| @laysha__official/Instagram
LAYSHA, which originally debuted in 2015, has been known for its provocative stage presence and unique charm. The group, comprised of Goeun, Chaejin, Bitna, Jian (a recent addition) — and until recently, Sia — has maintained a steady fan base over the years. The departure of Sia has understandably saddened many fans, but it’s the bizarre nature of the announcement that has sparked widespread discussion and amusement.
I ask for your loving support and encouragement from new member Jian and SIA who is starting a new activity.
— S Media Entertainment
The announcement was made through a photograph featuring the four remaining members of LAYSHA, with Sia’s profile noticeably darkened. This peculiar editing choice gave the impression that Sia was either a locked character in a video game or an eliminated contestant in a reality competition.
| @laysha__official/Instagram
The dramatic and almost comical presentation of Sia’s departure has captured the attention of both fans and casual observers alike, turning the announcement into something of a viral sensation.
They’ve done it again https://t.co/4EjwXfaTDD pic.twitter.com/OYorPAtI5v
— nugu promoter (@nugupromoter) January 16, 2024
This isn’t the first time S Media Entertainment has opted for such a dramatic and meme-worthy approach. In the past, the departure of another member, Boreum, was announced in a similarly theatrical fashion, garnering significant attention online for its meme potential.
| @laysha__official/Instagram
The consistency in this unique approach to announcing departures has become a part of the group’s identity, sparking debates about the appropriateness and impact of such methods in the sensitive context of group lineup changes.
laysha i love u but i cant take this seriously no more pic.twitter.com/m5z1ukCbLl
— josie ✩ (@bbgirIz) January 16, 2024
Pov : Laysha announcing a member leaving pic.twitter.com/UkBMC0l2bP
— me, myself and i ꒰ঌ໒꒱ (@Zaina_ExoK) January 16, 2024
The repeated use of this strategy raises questions about the intentions and implications behind such announcements. Are these dramatic reveals a calculated move to garner publicity and keep the group in the public eye, or are they simply a creative but insensitive approach to handling the inevitable changes that come with managing a girl group?
| @laysha__official/Instagram
Regardless of the intent, it’s clear that S Media Entertainment has found a way to keep fans and the public engaged, even in moments of transition and loss within the group.
