“She Practiced Their Debut Single” – The Pre-debut Leader of XG Who Was Cut From the Debut Lineup Left Netizens Heartbroken

Amazing girls with overwhelming talents, XG is one of the hottest groups in the K-pop industry with their back-to-back hit songs "Left Right" and "Shooting Star."

Apart from being part of a unique K-pop group with members that are Japanese with an international sound, the group also possessed an immense amount of charisma and stage presence.

Spending your whole youth for a chance to stand on a stage to become the next biggest star is the goal of K-pop trainees, however, not all are given the chance to debut. Kamiya Airi, also trained for XG and even practiced what was supposed to be her debut song.

@gg_lovebot KAMIYA AIRI, YOU ARE AMAZING! I was really sad when they showed that Rei and Hikaru didn’t make it but I was even more devastated when Airi was cut from XG. I’ve watched idol survival shows before and it was always heartbreaking to see your favorites get eliminated. Airi was almost part of XG so this farewell really stings. The seven members of XG showed so much respect for Airi so even if I don’t know her well, this scene broke my heart. I really hope that Airi and all ex trainees will gain strength tk continue and find the path that is really meant for them. #KamiyaAiri #XGALX ♬ TV - Billie Eilish

According to Simon who is CEO of XGALX, the agency behind XG, Airi would suit better as a solo rather than being a part of the team. Hence, the reason why she did not make it to the final cut.

Now, Airi thrives as a solo artist releasing her debut song "CBD" under the stage name "KAMIYA."

Still, since Airi was the pre-debut leader of XG and served as a pillar to make XG stronger with her leadership, it made netizens heartbroken that she didn't make it to the final lineup, they commented:

• I feel so sorry for Airi, I even cried.
• I feel like this is how Ruka felt after the announcement
• Thinking that Ruka experienced this twice
• Thank god XG fulfilled their promises to Airi
• I’m thankful for them showing this side of trainee life because people never know how hard it is to make it. Idols who made it went through tough times.
• I really feel bad for her.. she shouldn't give up. She should try different companies. She deserves to be on stage.
• The girls cried nonstop especially Cocona after Simon told them Airi won't debut with them
• it was a very sad episode... Simon did say that Airi would do well as a solo artist. I'm just wondering what happened afterwards..
  • She left.. they probably didn’t have a solid plan for her
• If she almost made it into XG there’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll be in the next girl group made under that company if she stayed.
• I couldn’t imagine how she felt. Imagine training for five years for a single goal + the pressure to lead the team as the leader and eldest.
• Her getting cut from the final lineup was so cruel to be honest.
• She also practiced their debut single and shot together with them… it was indeed cruel.

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