Choi Min-hwan Returns to SNS, Joins “FNC BAND KINGDOM” After Being Cleared of Allegations
On July 11, FTISLAND’s Choi Min-hwan posted a photo on his personal Instagram, marking his first update since stepping back from promotions amid personal controversy with Yulhee. The caption read simply: “FNC BAND KINGDOM.” This act confirms his participation in FNC Entertainment’s upcoming band concert.
The photo showed five neatly arranged drumsticks, echoing a similar post by CNBLUE’s Kang Min-hyuk, who tagged fellow FNC drummers including Choi, N.Flying’s Kim Jae-hyun, Hi-Fi Un!corn, and AxMxP. All five artists are set to perform at FNC BAND KINGDOM 2025, held on July 12–13 at Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba, Japan — the third edition of the agency’s signature family concert series.
Choi’s return comes after a months-long hiatus following serious allegations from his ex-wife Yulhee last October, accusing him of misconduct related to prostitution and molestation. After investigation, the Seoul Gangnam Police cleared Choi in February 2025, citing insufficient evidence and closing the case without prosecution.
Despite being exonerated, Choi paused all domestic promotions while FTISLAND continued as a trio overseas and a duo in Korea. Group member Lee Hong-gi, who initially defended Choi, later expressed hope for a thoughtful return: “With time and self-reflection, we hope to eventually return as a trio in Korea.”
Now, with FTISLAND’s solo concert in August on the horizon, Choi’s reappearance at the FNC family event signals a carefully timed comeback, beginning with his revived online presence and return to the stage.
