DearALICE's James Leaves Group, Says "Now Is the Right Time" to Move On

British boy band dearALICE's James Sharp has left the group, ending his run as a member of the five-piece act created through a partnership between SM Entertainment and British production company Moon&Back Media.

James announced the news in a letter shared on Instagram, saying he had spent a long time thinking about the decision before deciding it was "the right time" to move on. Thanking fans for their support throughout his journey, he said he was proud of what the group had achieved together and wished the remaining members "nothing but happiness and success."

He also confirmed that his departure will not affect the group's upcoming EP, as his vocals remain on the release. James added that he participated in producing the project and said he would share more about his future plans soon, as dearALICE will continue its activities as a five-member group.

The announcement comes about seven months after James stepped away from the group's tour to focus on his mental health and recovery from addiction. At the time, he revealed that he had been struggling with mental health issues that led to addiction, adding that he had begun receiving professional treatment.

James debuted with dearALICE in early 2025 as the group's leader. Alongside his role as a performer, he contributed to the group's music as a producer. Before his debut, he released solo music and gained a following online as one half of the Sharp Twins.