On December 31, 2024, Avex Management announced that Karen Habuchi, a member of the nine-member girl group SUPER☆GiRLS, has been removed from the group following a serious violation of her exclusive contract. The decision to terminate her contract was made effective immediately.

While the details of the violation were not disclosed, the statement addressed to fans expressed regret for the sudden announcement, apologizing for the concern and inconvenience caused. The company assured that they would continue to take responsible action in accordance with the situation, adding, “We ask for your understanding and request that inquiries about the other members be refrained from.”

In her own statement on X (formerly Twitter), Habuchi took full responsibility for her actions. “I sincerely apologize for the trouble and concern I caused to the other members, the staff, and the fans who supported me,” she wrote. “I deeply regret betraying the trust of everyone who believed in and supported me. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am truly sorry for having to leave the group in this way.”

She also expressed gratitude for her time in SUPER☆GiRLS, acknowledging the valuable experiences she gained. “The time I spent in SUPER☆GiRLS, where I was able to learn and grow, was very important to me. The encouragement and support from everyone always gave me strength. Though my time as an idol was short, it was truly a happy experience. Thank you to everyone who supported me.”