Jang Gyuri has opened up about why she decided to leave fromis_9 and focus fully on acting, nearly four years after ending her activities with the group.

During an interview following the conclusion of tvN’s Four Hands, Two Sonatas, Jang Gyuri reflected on the period when she was trying to balance her career as both an idol and actress.

She explained that acting had been a goal since her high school years, but handling both careers at the same time became increasingly difficult.

Jang Gyuri said, “I’ve wanted to act since I was in high school. I’m also not very good at multitasking. Toward the end, I was preparing for a fan meeting, an album, and Cheer Up all at the same time.”

She added that the demanding schedule made her worry that she was affecting the people around her.

“That was when I really felt it. I wondered if I was causing problems for everyone in different places,” she said. “It was difficult to adjust schedules, and there were times when the members needed to practice together. I thought it would be better for me to focus on one thing.”

Jang Gyuri also clarified that she remains on good terms with the fromis_9 members.

After leaving the group in July 2022, she shifted her focus to acting. She appeared in SBS’ Cheer Up later that year and continued building her acting career through projects including Player 2: Master of Swindlers, When the Phone Rings, and most recently Four Hands, Two Sonatas.

She also described one major difference between being part of a group and working alone as an actress.

“The biggest difference is that I have to handle things on my own,” Jang Gyuri explained. “Back then, we could make up for each other’s weaknesses. I’m very shy, so when we appeared on variety shows, there were members who were good at them and I could sometimes hide behind them. Now, wherever I go, I have to take responsibility and handle things myself.”

Despite the additional pressure, Jang Gyuri said the experience has strengthened her desire to improve as an actress.

Reflecting on Four Hands, Two Sonatas, she added that portraying one character across an extended period of her life was a new challenge and one of the areas where she learned the most.