Lizzy is to leave girl band After School, announcing a new start as a solo vocalist.

Singer-actress Lizzy, whose real name is Park Soo-young, posted a photo of a handwritten letter on the band’s official fan website Tuesday. The letter read, “I am writing to let you (fans) know of my second stage in life.”

Lizzy / Pledis Entertainment

“I always knew I would graduate one day and though it has already been 9 years, I feel like my graduation has come really quickly,” she continued.

Leaving the group, Lizzy will also be leaving her agency Pledis Entertainment. She is to pursue various careers, including singing.

Lizzy debuted as an After School member in 2010 and became widely known through the band’s subunit activity as Orange Caramel. Lately, she has been showing of her talent as a TV personality, featuring on entertainment shows.

After School uses a “graduation system” in which members join and leave the group. So far, Uee, Soyoung, Bekah, Gahee, Jooyeon and Jungah have “graduated” the group. Lizzy is the seventh member to leave.

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)