Japan Boy Band SMAP to break up after all

This is such a shocking news to all Japanese people. I grew up with this Japan boy band SMAP, one of Asia’s biggest pop groups. They are the oldest boy band in Japan, in which its five members are aged between 39 and 43.

SMAP stands for “Sports Music Assemble People” and it was formed in 1988.

They announced that they will break up at the end of the year after performing together for more than two decades.SMAP has sold approximately 35 million records. SMAP is so popular that they even became the ambassadors for diplomatic relations between Japan, China and South Korea.

Rumors of their split started in January, but the group’s members appeared on TV to deny the rumor. They even apologized for making their fans worry, which stirred controversy.

“We apologize for the trouble we have caused. Please forgive us for having led to a result like this. We are so sorry”

In response to this rumor, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe even made a comment. SMAP is that influential.

This would be a devastating news for their fans.

SMAP’s five members will be pursuing solo careers.