Yokono Sumire, a member of Japanese girl idol group NMB48, has quit the group after she was embroiled in a scandal involving two boyband members.

The 20-year-old, who debuted as NMB48's sixth generation member in 2019, announced her departure from the group in her blog on Sunday (May 23). She also apologised to fans for “making the sudden announcement in this way”.

“From now on, I will move forward on my new path with gratitude in my heart, she wrote.

Though Yokono did not reveal the reason for her departure, netizens think it most definitely has to do with this scandal involving her personal life.

In March, Japanese magazine Shūkan Bunshun posted pics of Yokono leaving a high-end hotel in Kyoto with 40-year-old Kanjani Eight member, Yokoyama You.

According to the report, six days later, Yokono and another boybander, this time it's 21-year-old Ae! member Fukumoto Taisei, were spotted watching a movie together, before spending the night at a 5000 yen (S$61) a night business hotel.

When her hotel jaunts made headlines, Yokono quickly went into hiding and did not address the scandal.

As idols are not supposed to date or be involved with any type of scandal, many of Yokono's fans, though saddened, are not surprised that she has left the group.

The scandal has sparked a torrent of hate directed towards the star, some of whom launched very personal attacks on Yokono, first by posting her old pics and then accusing her of having plastic surgery.

There's also a very wild rumour that Yokono is leaving the music biz to become a porn star. That rumour started after adult video producer Soft On Demand announced that it was offering 100mil yen (S$1.22mil) to A-list actresses to appear in its movies.

Photos: Yokono Sumire/Instagram, theqoo