Ryoki, a member of the popular Japanese boy band BE:FIRST, has announced his departure from the group. The group, created by a talent show, attracted a fervent fan base since its debut, and Ryoki has been one of the key members. Japanese fans and media speculate about the reasons behind Ryoki's decision and what his future in the music industry might hold.
In Japan, music idols and bands are a significant part of mainstream culture, and their activities often get widespread media coverage. Fans often feel strongly about group lineups, making member departures a big deal. This often leads to lots of speculation and rumors, as well as anticipation of the member's future endeavors.
In the US or EU, band member departures are also handled with widespread interest and speculation. However, the intensity may vary based on the band's popularity. Comparable situations have occurred with globally recognized bands like One Direction, where fans were heavily impacted by changes in group membership.