On the October 30 broadcast of YTN News FM’s “Smart Radio Life,” lawyer Lee Go-eun discussed the recent allegations against Choi Min-hwan.
The lawyer analyzed the audio recordings released by Yulhee, saying they only show Choi Min-hwan requesting hotel reservations, not directly asking for escort services. However, his choice to prioritize these bookings over spending time with family raises ethical concerns.
She clarified that hiring entertainers in venues is legal and that their presence doesn’t automatically indicate illegal activity. For something to be classified as prostitution, there needs to be sexual intercourse for money, and many such cases occur in accommodations, which could be considered circumstantial evidence.
The lawyer expressed strong suspicion of prostitution due to the significant amounts discussed via Telegram, noting terms like “TC” refer to fees for accompanying services. Amounts over 2 million won (approx 1,480 USD) raised concerns about the nature of these services, but proving they led to actual prostitution is challenging based solely on the recordings.
For Choi Min-hwan to face charges, there must be direct evidence. While visiting a venue could result in charges for attempting prostitution, there’s no legal definition for “attempted prostitution,” so mere statements aren’t enough.
Listening to the recordings suggested Choi Min-hwan was quite familiar with nightlife culture, indicating prior experience. She predicted that even if it’s his first offense, he may not receive a suspended indictment and could face fines or harsher penalties.
Choi Min-hwan and Yulhee married in 2018 and have 3 children together but announced their divorce in December of the previous year, with Choi Min-hwan obtaining custody.
Recently, Yulhee revealed the reasons for their divorce on her YouTube channel, disclosing that she was shocked to learn of Choi Min-hwan’s conversations with entertainment venue staff requesting escorts and hotel bookings. She expressed that this revelation connected all the troubling incidents she had experienced.
Following these accusations, Choi Min-hwan stepped down from the KBS 2TV variety show “The Return of Superman” and halted his activities. Consequently, F.T.Island continued as a duo, with Choi Min-hwan’s drumming position temporarily filled by a session musician.
Source: Daum