MANILA, Philippines — After eight years in the entertainment industry, MNL48 is set to conclude its activities at the end of May, with management citing challenges in sustaining the group’s operations and future management structure.
The announcement was made through an official statement released by operating company P.O.S Inc. on Wednesday, saying the decision followed “extensive discussions with all relevant parties.”
“After carefully considering the sustainability of the management structure, the future operating environment, and the various conditions necessary to continue supporting the group in a stable manner, we have come to the conclusion that it would be difficult to continue MNL48’s activities going forward,” the statement read.
Management also acknowledged the support the group received throughout its run and apologized to fans for the abrupt announcement.
“As management, we have done our utmost to carry MNL48 forward in the best possible way. We deeply apologize for not being able to fully meet everyone’s expectations in the end,” it added.
The group confirmed that the music video for “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie 2026,” released on YouTube on the same day, would serve as MNL48’s final project as a group.
“This work contains our gratitude toward all the fans who have supported us, as well as the heartfelt feelings of the members themselves. We sincerely hope you will watch and enjoy it,” the company said.
“To all the fans who have continuously supported MNL48, to every member who has been part of this journey, and to everyone involved with the group, we extend our deepest gratitude,” the statement added.
Formed in 2018, MNL48 was introduced as the Philippine sister group of Japan’s AKB48 franchise and became the fourth international sister group following Indonesia’s JKT48, China’s former SNH48 and Thailand’s BNK48. Named after Manila, the group debuted with exactly 48 first-generation members, making it the only AKB48 sister group to launch with a complete 48-member lineup.
Often referred to as “P-pop pioneers,” MNL48 helped introduce and popularize the idol-group system in the Philippines, contributing to the rise of the local pop idol industry. The group also earned recognition within the AKB48 community for its strong vocal performances, gaining the nickname “Vocal Queens” among supporters.
Before the disbandment announcement, the group had already undergone organizational changes earlier this year. In December 2025, Superball announced plans for MNL48, along with sister groups AKB48 Team SH and AKB48 Team TP, to transition to new companies and eventually adopt new group names.
On Jan. 2, the group introduced its new operating company, P.O.S Inc., short for “Pearl of the Orient Seas.” However, the planned rebranding for MNL48 itself was never implemented.