Girl group Nature disbanded after rumors arose that member Haru works as a hostess at a bar in Japan.

The group's agency, n.CH Entertainment, uploaded a post on the band's website sharing the news on Saturday.

"Nature will officially end its activities after years of hard work and love from fans," the agency said.

"We are truly sorry to share this news with fans, who would have eagerly awaited Nature's return. After thorough talks with members, we have decided to end the group activities and go our separate ways."

The agency said it would terminate its contract with all members except Sohee, who will remain with n .CH Entertainment and pursue her career as a solo artist.

The news came after a video was uploaded on Wednesday on the social media account of a Japanese kyabakura, or hostess bar, introducing one of its hostesses, who went by the name Sakura Ruru.

A woman resembling member Haru appeared in the video and was introduced as having worked as a K-pop idol, as the singers are referred to in Korea, for six years. The footage showed the girl group Nature, and Sakura Ruru's birthday was said to be Feb. 21, the same as Haru's.

Haru left a message on social media, saying, "Thank you for your support. There are many things I want to say, but it's hard to put the words together. Please wait for me just a little."

Nature debuted in 2018 and struggled to compete in the saturated K-pop girl group market. The group released its last album in November 2022 and has not released any new music since.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]