Back in January of this year, AKB48 member Minegishi Minami was demoted to trainee status after she was caught coming out of her boyfriend’s home the morning after she spent the night. Since then, she’s been seen less in the spotlight, although she was seen sporting a wig in a past public appearance. However, Minegishi finally has spoken up about her scandal in an in-depth interview with Japanese womens’ magazine Fujin Koron, but was met with criticism because the interview didn’t seem heartfelt.
Click on to see more pictures below the cut!
When the Shukan Bunshin published an article (with pictures of her leaving his apartment) of AKB48 member Minegishi Minami the morning after spending the night at Alan Shiroyama (member of JPOP group Generations), she immediately was demoted to a research student (kenkyusei) and forced to post an apology video – where it was also revealed she shaved off her head as well.
Translation of video (source):
I’m Minegishi Minami from Umeda team B of AKB48.
I’m very sorry to have caused enormous worry to members, fans, staffs, my families and a lot of other people with the article in the weekly magaizne that is published today.
(Deep Bow)
As the 1st generation member of AKB48, the group that has formed in 2005, it’s my responsibility to always behave as a good role model to juniors. I deeply regret what I did this time. It was a thoughtless deed and I was completely lacking self-awareness as a senior member.
My brain blanked out and I’m still unable to figure out what to do, what I can do. But after I saw the magazine a little ago, I couldn’t help but doing something. And I decided to shave my head without consulting any member or staff at my agency.
Although I don’t think I would be forgiven by doing this, the first thing that I went through my head was that “I don’t want to leave AKB48.”
This is a place where my dear members, who I spent my blossom of youth together, are. And it’s unimaginable to even think about leaving the group where I’m with so many wonderful and sweet fans.
I understand it’s wishful thinking, but if it’s possible, I would like to still be AKB48′s Minegishi Minami.
This is all my fault.
I’m truly sorry.
I will leave my hereafter to the hands of Akimoto-sensei and management.
Though I haven’t been able to tidy my mind up, but I just wanted to tell my current feeling to you.
Thank you so much for listening to me.
(Deep Bow)
Members of AKB48 (and their member groups) are actually not allowed to have romantic relationships while being a part of the group. Previous members who have also been caught in relationships, have either been forced to leave the group or demoted to a less prominent position.
