Here's the main explaination that I've gathered from various sources:
On October 12, 2016, YG annouced the postponed of WINNER comeback to focus on Taehyun's recovery of health issues.
On November 25, 2016, YG annouced Taehyun's departure due to health issues.
WINNER who had many things planned for them this year had put all their activities on hold unfortunately due to Taehyun’s mental health issues.
YG and the other members have put Taehyun’s mental health as the main priority and decided to wait for his recovery. However, due to the fact that the mental issue was one that has been present ever since his childhood, it is impossible to predict when he will recover and when he will be able to return to activities.
After much discussions with Taehyun, we have decided that it is not possible for him to continue activities as a part of WINNER and as of November 18th the exclusive contract between YG and Nam Tae Hyun has been terminated.
This is mainly due to the fact that Taehyun felt responsible for the fact that the team was put on halt because of him and that WINNER, who is only two years into their debut, can no longer wait to continue their activities. Although Taehyun will no longer be with WINNER we hope that they will continue to support each other in their musical careers.
YG plans to continue promoting WINNER as a 4 member group with no addition of new members. Please show WINNER and Taehyun much support and love as they stand on the start line again.
On November 26, 2016 Nam Taehyun posted handwritten letter due his departure from YG and WINNER on his instagram account.
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| Nam Taehyun posted a handwritten letter on his instagram account. |
Hello, this is Nam Taehyun.
I am very sorry for everyone who loves me to have received bad news. During the time that may be called short or long, many things happened and as Nam Taehyun, a member of WINNER, I received such great love and I was very happy.
After much talk, this was the decision that was made but my wish to make good music has not changed and I will meet you all through other music and projects.
Please stay healthy in this cold weather and I thank everyone who support me.
From, Nam Taehyun.
Credit : 161126 * trans @chrissy96_
On April 4, 2017 WINNER finally made their first ever comeback with 4 members.
In an interview with OSEN, the members opened up about the absence of Nam Tae Hyun. Kang Seung Yoon stated, "Nam Tae Hyun couldn't be with us due to health issues. It's true that it was difficult. It wasn't just 'Oh well we can't do anything'. We were concerned about our fans. There were a lot of people who loved Nam Tae Hyun and Nam Tae Hyun did well as the main vocal so that led to concerns."
"But we couldn't spend days just worrying. I believed that we could no longer make fans wait. So we jumped into producing to make a comeback. We concentrated on self-development so the fans couldn't feel his emptiness. We had no choice but to grow."
"Now we are 4 members so we just have to accept it. The 5 of us will forever be in the hearts of the fans. We don't want to erase the 5 member WINNER. I hope they give a lot of love to the 4 member WINNER too."
On May 25, Dingo Music shared the video of their online interview with Nam Tae Hyun and his new band South Club. Nam Tae Hyun and his members introduced themselves and dropped hints about their upcoming release ''Hug Me''. Then on a more serious note, Nam Tae Hyun sat down for a sincere talk about his departure from WINNER.
Dingo first said, "There were lots of talks when you departed the group. What's the true reason behind your departure?"
Nam Tae Hyun responded, "There are a lot of speculations but they are only speculations. I left after making a good compromise. We just had different paths to walk." Dingo then asked if he was afraid of leaving the label. He answered, "It was hard at the time. To me, it was a place like home."
Later on August, 2017 on one of Taehyun's Vlive broadcast, a fan requested WINNER's "Really Really" on Casper Radio. He laughed when he saw the request and later said how WINNER are a hardworking group.
“WINNER…It’s the group I was part of…they will be releasing a new song everyone. WINNER members are very hardworking as a group so I feel that this song will be very good too.
Since WINNER’s album is going to come soon, listen to it a lot and we will be back after listening to WINNER’s “Really Really”.” — Casper Radio DJ Nam Taehyun
He played the song since he had promised to play any song that requested and couldn't hide his shy smile.
Please, show support and love for WINNER and Taehyun's band, South Club.
