As one-time jplop member Miekie said years ago:
Miekie wrote:This is my theory about the Sayuki Scandal and how H!P handled it:
Apparently H!P knew of the relationship of Sayuki and the singer from when it started back in 2019. I have said it before; I believe H!P has a new rule instead of the 'no boyfriend rule', it is the 'don't get caught rule'.
This also shows with previous similar scandals with younger members who were suspended or just remained their activities.
Nobody's really demanding that Kitagawa eschew all relationships. It's just an unfortunate fact that - Japan being what it is - as part of her job, like all the rest of the girls she has to keep her romantic life under wraps. And if not, to face some consequences. A scripted scolding by sub-leader is just a tap on the wrist in the greater scheme.