Youngseo says that she applied to TBL, but was that just to avoid implicating TBL in poaching her during the broadcast?
We still don't have a reason for her leaving. The leading explanation is that she felt she didn't fit the concept and wasn't willing to give the next 7 years of her life, and her idol career, over to it.
But it's hard to believe that anyone would turn down a popular Hybe group at the time... unless they already had something else lined up.
Simple explanation: TBL needed a vocalist for ADP at the time RUNext was running. Watching her on the show, TBL thought Youngseo would be a perfect fit. Teddy personally contacted her and convinced her to bail from Illit to join his group (despite only telling her that it wasn't a girl group, but she would be a perfect fit). TBL legal team consulted Youngseo on how to avoid joining Illit without legal issues. Youngseo officially leaves Illit lineup before debut. Shortly after, she "auditions for TBL" and is accepted straight into ADP.
I'm actually surprised this is the first time (I'm aware of) of this potentially happening with the most popular members from these shows.
Although, it might not have been the first time TBL has done something similar...
