KLP48 announces change in leadership plans with Jurina Matsui

In a recent announcement, KLP48 management revealed that Jurina Matsui will not be joining the group as a playing manager, despite the earlier announcement on May 18th. The decision comes after extensive discussions and careful consideration of the logistics involved in her potential role.

“After our announcement on May 18th that ‘Jurina Matsui will join KLP48 as a playing manager,’ we have been discussing a more concrete business partnership with Ms. Matsui. While we have not been able to fully explain the details of her future activities in Malaysia, the management side has already been progressing with much work and has concluded that it would be difficult to ask Ms. Matsui to serve as a playing manager at this time, so we have mutually agreed to suspend the request,” said the official statement from KLP48 Management.

The management also extended apologies to Jurina Matsui, KLP48 fans, and all stakeholders affected by this change in plans. The management team emphasized their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and continued progress for KLP48 despite this setback.

Jurina Matsui’s Response

Jurina Matsui expressed her disappointment but remains supportive of KLP48 and the broader 48 Group. “When I heard that I would be asked to support KLP48, I was very happy to be able to give back to the fans who have always welcomed me so warmly and to the overseas 48 Groups. I truly wanted to support them together with the staff, so I am very disappointed that things have turned out this way,” she said in her statement.

She continued to express gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans, noting, “After the announcement, I received many great responses and was happy to learn that there are many fans overseas. Thank you very much for all of the kind messages.” Matsui emphasized her ongoing support for the overseas 48 Groups, including KLP48, and promised to continue her growth as an artist.

While Jurina Matsui will not be taking on the role of playing manager, her dedication to the 48 Group remains strong. She concluded her message with a hopeful note for the future of KLP48, “I sincerely hope that in the future, the first generation members, who are to be the center of KLP48, will have a stage where they can shine and an environment where they can work as they are.”

This development marks a significant moment for KLP48 as they navigate their path forward without Jurina Matsui’s direct involvement but with her continued support from afar.