Shobu Marin ends NMB48 activities due to serious contract breach

NMB48 has announced that Shobu Marin has ended NMB48 activity due to a serious contract violation according to the NMB48 blog.

Shobu released the following statement:

I am apologizing for the inconvenience caused to all the members and the people who support us and I have made feel uncomfortable due to my selfish and immature behavior.

The very unsightly wording and remarks I made came out to the world. It is the result of my actions and I deeply regret it.

NMB48 is a wonderful group of members chasing dreams.

However, I am sorry that my actions involved other members and caused suspicions towards NMB48.

I have decided to decline activity fromNMB48.

It’s very painful to think of the fans who supported me.

I apologize for the sudden announcement.

I apologize for the inconvenience caused.

Information from multiple accounts held by Shobu Marin on Instagram was leaked on an bulletin board. Many screenshots from Instagram stories from that account was released, including photos with other guys and possibly having a boyfriend. Also, negative comments about other members of NMB48 and towards fans.

The problems began as early as January 2021, when Shobu accidentally posted a photo on Instagram of Sexy Zone member Matsushima Sou without any text but with the member smiling. The photo was deleted immediately but was screen captured and certain online sleuths felt the photo was meant to go to her backup account.