Chuu Leaves ATRP After 3 Years: Looking Back at Her Journey and What's Next
After three years, Chuu and ATRP have officially parted ways.
On July 10, 2026, ATRP announced that its exclusive contract with Chuu had ended. According to the agency, the two sides had discussed Chuu's future activities in depth and mutually agreed to conclude the contract while supporting each other's future paths.
For fans, the announcement marks the end of an important chapter.
ATRP wasn't simply another agency in Chuu's career. It was the company where she started her solo career after leaving the difficult chapter surrounding LOONA and BlockBerry Creative behind.
So, what happened during Chuu's three years with ATRP, and where could she go from here?
Let's look back.
2023: A New Beginning at ATRP
Chuu signed with ATRP in April 2023, shortly after her legal battle with her former agency, BlockBerry Creative, reached a major turning point.
Before joining ATRP, Chuu had already become one of the most recognizable members of LOONA thanks to her bright personality, distinctive voice, variety-show appearances, and strong connection with fans.
But her relationship with BlockBerry Creative had become increasingly complicated.
In 2022, BlockBerry Creative announced Chuu's removal from LOONA. Chuu had already been involved in legal proceedings against the company, and in August 2023, a Seoul court ruled that the exclusive contract between Chuu and BlockBerry Creative was invalid. A later appeal ruling in 2024 also went in her favor.
Joining ATRP therefore represented something much bigger than simply signing with a new company.
It was a fresh start.
"Howl": Chuu Finally Steps Into Her Solo Era
One of the biggest milestones of Chuu's time at ATRP came in October 2023, when she released her first solo mini album, Howl.
The album introduced fans to a different side of Chuu.
While the lovable and energetic personality that fans knew from her LOONA days was still there, Howl showed a more mature and emotional musical identity.
The title track explored themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and finding comfort, giving fans a chance to see Chuu as a solo artist rather than simply a former member of LOONA.
It was an important first step in establishing her own identity.
2024: "Strawberry Rush"
Chuu's second mini album, Strawberry Rush, arrived in 2024 and continued to develop the colorful world she had begun building around her solo career.
The album came with a bright, playful concept that felt very "Chuu" while still allowing her to grow artistically.
ATRP also organized promotional activities around the release, including a Strawberry Rush pop-up store in Seouland in-person fansign events.
For international fans, the era also became an opportunity to see Chuu outside Korea.
She took Strawberry Rush on tour across the Americas, giving fans overseas the chance to meet her in person and experience her solo music live.
"Only cry in the rain": A More Emotional Side
Chuu continued her musical journey with the release of her third mini album, Only cry in the rain.
The release showed that her solo career wasn't simply built around the cheerful image many people associated with her.
Instead, Chuu continued experimenting with different moods and emotions while maintaining the warmth and personality that made her so popular.
By this point, she had clearly established herself as a solo artist with her own musical identity.
Beyond Music: Chuu the Entertainer
One of the biggest strengths of Chuu's ATRP era was that her career wasn't limited to music.
She continued appearing in entertainment content, variety programs, advertising campaigns, and other media projects.
Her naturally energetic personality and ability to connect with audiences helped her remain highly visible even between musical releases.
She also expanded into acting, appearing in the KBS2 drama My Girlfriend is the Man! in 2025.
This helped reinforce something fans had already known for years:
Chuu isn't just an idol. She's an entertainer.
2026: Chuu's First Full Album
Perhaps one of the biggest achievements of her ATRP era came in 2026 with the release of her first full-length album, XO, My Cyberlove.
According to ATRP's own catalog, the album joined the earlier Howl, Strawberry Rush, and Only cry in the rainreleases as part of Chuu's solo discography under the agency.
Reaching a full album after several years of solo activity was an important milestone.
And then, just months later, ATRP announced that Chuu's contract would end.
Why Is Chuu Leaving ATRP?
This is probably the question fans are asking most.
The simple answer is: we don't know the exact reason.
ATRP did not announce a dispute or conflict.
Instead, the agency said that it had held discussions with Chuu about her future activities and that both sides mutually agreed to end the exclusive contract while supporting each other's futures.
So it's important not to assume that the departure was caused by a disagreement.
For now, the official explanation is simply that Chuu and ATRP decided to go their separate ways after discussions about her future career.
What Happens Next for Chuu?
As of now, Chuu has not officially announced a new agency.
That means her next move remains one of the biggest questions surrounding her career.
There are several possibilities.
A New Agency
The most straightforward option would be signing with another entertainment company that can manage her music, acting, variety appearances, and endorsements.
With an established solo career and a strong fanbase, Chuu would certainly be an attractive artist for agencies looking to expand their roster.
Continuing as a Soloist
Chuu could also continue focusing primarily on music.
After releasing multiple mini albums and her first full album, she already has a clear foundation as a solo artist.
Fans could therefore see another album, concerts, festivals, and more solo promotions in the future.
More Acting & Entertainment
Her career could also expand further into acting and variety entertainment.
Chuu has already demonstrated that she can work across multiple areas of entertainment, so her next agency may choose to develop her as a broader all-round entertainer.
Going Independent?
Some fans online have even speculated that Chuu could eventually establish her own company or operate more independently.
However, there is currently no official confirmation that this is her plan.
For now, it's simply fan speculation.
What Does This Mean for KKOTI?
For Chuu's fans, known as KKOTI, this isn't the end of Chuu's story.
In fact, it could be the beginning of another new chapter.
Her time at ATRP gave her the opportunity to:
- Establish herself as a solo artist
- Release her own music
- Meet international fans
- Expand into acting and entertainment
- Release her first full-length album
Now, she has the freedom to decide what comes next.
And after everything Chuu has experienced in the past few years, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely.
From LOONA to Soloist: Chuu's Career Keeps Moving Forward
Chuu's career has already gone through several major chapters.
2017: Debuts with LOONA
2022: Removed from LOONA by BlockBerry Creative
2023: Signs with ATRP
2023: Releases Howl, her first solo mini album
2024: Releases Strawberry Rush
2024: Expands her solo activities and tours internationally
2025: Takes on an acting role in My Girlfriend is the Man!
2026: Releases her first full album, XO, My Cyberlove
July 10, 2026: Contract with ATRP officially ends
And now?
Chapter next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Chuu join ATRP?
Chuu signed an exclusive contract with ATRP in April 2023, following her departure from BlockBerry Creative.
Q: Why did Chuu leave ATRP?
ATRP said that after discussions about Chuu's future activities, both sides mutually agreed to end the exclusive contract. Neither side publicly announced a dispute as the reason for the departure.
Q: When did Chuu's ATRP contract end?
Chuu's exclusive contract with ATRP officially ended on July 10, 2026.
Q: What albums did Chuu release under ATRP?
Her releases under ATRP include Howl, Strawberry Rush, Only cry in the rain, and her first full album XO, My Cyberlove.
Q: Does Chuu have a new agency?
As of the latest reports, no new agency has been officially announced.
Q: Will Chuu continue making music?
Nothing suggests that Chuu is retiring from music. However, her future agency and specific activities have not yet been announced.
What's Next for Chuu? We Can't Wait to Find Out
Leaving ATRP closes a three-year chapter but it doesn't erase everything Chuu built during that time.
She entered the agency after a difficult period, released her own music, developed her identity as a soloist, expanded into acting and entertainment, and released her first full-length album.
Now, Chuu gets to decide what the next chapter looks like.
Whatever comes next, we're sure KKOTI will be there.
Good luck on your next adventure, Chuu!