Choi Min-hwan Shines as FTISLAND Triumphs in Successful Three-Member Concert After Hiatus
FTISLAND completed a successful concert “2025 FTISLAND LIVE PULSE in JAPAN” at the Osaka Festival Hall on March 9 as a three-member group, marking Choi Min-hwan’s return after a brief hiatus from group activities.
The three members smiled brightly on stage in front of their Japanese fans. This performance marks the start of Choi Min-hwan overseas activities, with additional shows scheduled in Aichi at the Aichi Arts Theater on the 19th, and in Yokohama at the Pacifico Yokohama National Hall on the 22nd and 23rd. However, his return to domestic activities remains uncertain.
Lee Hong-gi, on March 9, posted a message on his social media saying, “I’m really sorry and thankful,” along with a photo. The photo showed Lee Hong-gi, Choi Min-hwan, and Lee Jae-jin taking a selfie with fans towards the end of the concert. Lee Hong-gi also shared a video of himself leading a chant, with fans and the members cheering and posing together.
Earlier, at his “HONGGI B-DAY PARTY XXX” fan meeting, Lee Hong-gi discussed Choi Min-hwan’s future activities following his temporary hiatus due to prostitution allegations. Lee Hong-gi confirmed that Choi Min-hwan would be joining the overseas schedule, but domestic activities would remain with the group as a duo, explaining, “In Korea, there are many who are uncomfortable. Everyone has their own perspective, but we must respect that. If there are uncomfortable feelings, I’ll make him reflect more, scold him more, and eventually, he’ll return to Korea as a three-member group.”
Lee Hong-gi further emphasized, “The most important thing is that FTISLAND needs a drummer. If he had really done something wrong, he would have chosen a different path, but since that’s not the case, we judged that we need him as our drummer.” He reaffirmed, “We will continue to uphold FTISLAND in Korea as a duo,” showing determination. He added, “I don’t know how everyone will react to this, but it’s our path, and we will continue it. If you’re uncomfortable, even if he’s on stage, the lights should be off for him. He can perform as a session member.”
Meanwhile, Choi Min-hwan’s personal life has also been a topic of controversy. He and Yulhee, whom he married in 2018, have three children together, but after five years of marriage, they separated in December 2023. Choi Min-hwan was granted custody of their children, but Yulhee filed a lawsuit against him, seeking custody rights, alimony, and asset division. She reportedly demanded 100 million KRW (approximately 76,000 USD) in alimony and 1 billion KRW (approximately 760,000 USD) in asset division. The two are currently engaged in legal proceedings at the family court.
In response to the prostitution allegations, Choi Min-hwan expressed his frustration on his fan cafe, insisting that he had done nothing wrong. In an interview with a media outlet, he stated, “Yulhee was not a mother who was dedicated to raising our children. She had an abnormal sleeping pattern, sleeping 18-20 hours a day. Whenever we had a fight, she would leave, and over the course of five years, she ran away more than 20 times.”
Despite the ongoing legal and personal challenges, Choi Min-hwan remains focused on his career and has returned to FTISLAND’s overseas activities, signaling a new chapter for both him and the group. As he continues to navigate his personal life, his commitment to the band’s future is clear, with hopes for a full reunion in the future as he works through these difficult times.