Chiyu Yuine (結音ちゆ), the 16-year-old youngest member of Japanese idol group Dress Code (ドレスコード), has left the group following what the group described as a “serious contract violation,” the group announced on August 23, 2026.
Dress Code shared the news via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that Yuine’s departure was effective immediately as of August 23 due to the violation. The group did not disclose what the violation involved. In its statement, Dress Code apologized to fans and industry partners for the abrupt announcement and confirmed that the remaining five members would continue their activities and schedule as planned, with no changes.
Yuine quote-tweeted the group’s announcement with her own apology, writing, “I deeply apologize that my own shortcomings led to this outcome.” She went on to apologize to fans and those involved for the trouble caused, writing, “I am truly sorry,” and thanked supporters for their backing throughout her time with the group. Like the group, she did not explain the nature of the contract breach.
The announcement comes just weeks after Dress Code released new official artist photos on July 14, which included Yuine as the group’s youngest member.
Who is Chiyu Yuine?
Chiyu Yuine was the youngest member of Dress Code, a Japanese idol group active on X under the handle @dreco_chiyu. At 16, she had built a following as the group’s baby-faced youngest member before her sudden exit. The group’s statement did not include further details about her prior career or specific role beyond her status as the youngest member.
What’s Next
Dress Code says it will continue performing as a five-member group with no changes to its existing schedule. Neither the group nor Yuine has indicated whether a further explanation of the contract violation will be provided, and as of this report, no additional statement has been made by either party.
Author’s Comment
A 16-year-old, a vague ‘serious contract violation,’ and an apology with zero details — welcome to the idol industry’s favorite move: announce the punishment, skip the crime. I get it, agencies love to shield minors from tabloid pile-ons, but this kind of blackout just hands the internet a blank canvas to paint whatever theory it wants. Whatever actually happened, watching a teenager write ‘I’m truly sorry’ to thousands of strangers for something none of us are allowed to know about is the part that actually stings. The other five members will be fine, the schedule marches on — that’s showbiz. I just hope somewhere behind the scenes, someone’s actually looking out for the kid, not just the brand.
