DA PUMP member YUKINARI is leaving the group, it was announced on Wednesday. His departure is effective as of Thursday. At the same time, the group will be adding seven more members, bringing its total size to nine.

In July, member ISSA fractured his leg and had to receive surgery. Because of that, the group had to postpone their summer tour, and they have been inactive since then. During that time, YUKINARI decided that he wanted to pursue his own music career.

The other two members, ISSA and KEN, recruited an additional seven dancers with various dance styles. Their names are DAICHI (the youngest at 20), KAZUMA, KENZO, KIMI, TOMO, U-YEAH, and YORI.

DA PUMP's new nine-member lineup will release their first single next spring. The group also has plans to expand beyond music, into other entertainment arenas such as modeling and acting.