TVXQ's Changmin to Leave "Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education"

Sad news for fans of TVXQ‘s Changmin.

According to an announcement made on January 7 by representatives of KBS2TV’s “Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education,” Changmin has decided to leave the show after filming the basketball episode on January 15. 

In order to focus on promotions for TVXQ’s seventh album, he expressed his will to drop out of the show. After discussing the matter with the producers, they came to a mutual agreement on making the upcoming basketball episode his last one. The producers commented, “It is time to bid friendly farewell to Changmin, who has been with us since the first episode. He has shown endless passion and the meaning of hard work through ‘Our Neighborhood Arts,’ and we are very thankful for that. Please show a lot of love and support for Changmin, who will return to his original role as a TVXQ member.”

Changmin has been a fixed cast member of the show since the pilot episode, and for around nine months, he has hosted the program together with Kang Ho Dong. Thanks to his bright personality and role as the group’s youngest, the viewers have shown much love for the sporty idol. 

Kang Ho Dong will remain as the MC, but to fill the empty spot left behind by Changmin, we can expect to see entertaining guests fit for the episodes’ themes appear on the show.