A female idol exited her girl group following a dating scandal that involved two boy group members.
In 2021, Japanese media reported that NMB48 member Yokono Sumire was spotted leaving two different hotels with two different male idols.
One was Kanjani Eight‘s Yokoyama You. At the time, Yokoyama You was 39 years old, while Yokono Sumire was 20. Their age gap only added fuel to the media fire.
Then, just six days later, Yokono Sumire was seen leaving a hotel with A ぇ! Group member Fukumoto Taisei. At the time, all three idols were labelmates.
The scandal rocked Japan, but it also made waves in Korea. By then Yokono Sumire had become popular with the Korean public, thanks to her adorable visuals.
On May 23, 2021, Yokono Sumire, who debuted as an NMB48 member in 2019, announced her departure from the group. Though she did not reveal the reason behind “making the sudden announcement in this way,” netizens believed her departure was linked to the scandal.
From now on, I will move forward on my new path with gratitude in my heart.
— Yokono Sumire
True to her word, Yokono Sumire is on a new path three years later. Since leaving idol life, she has turned to glamor modeling, where she combines her trademark cute visuals with sexy styling and designer brands for Instagram posts and magazines.
In addition to modeling, Yokono Sumire is also pursuing a career in cosmetics. On May 12, she proudly shared a photo of herself holding a certificate.
I passed the Japan Cosmetic Licensing Examination Special Grade, and I am now a Cosmetic Concierge ☺️!
I’m a cosmetics expert 🎊 Yay!
I obtained the first grade last year and continued studying ☺️ Since I love beauty, it was enjoyable to learn even while working every day 🌸
Now that I’ve become a Cosmetic Concierge, I want to hold events where I can suggest skincare and suitable cosmetics to everyone…!!! It will definitely be fun 🫶
— Yokono Sumire
In short, she’s living her best life!
Source: Japan Today
