Former BTOB Member Jung Ilhoon Returns with New Song “Lullaby” After 5-Year Hiatus Following Cannabis Controversy
Jung Ilhoon, who left BTOB in 2020 due to allegations of cannabis use, has made his return to the music scene with a new single, “Lullaby,” marking his first release in five years.
On November 21, Jung shared his thoughts on social media: “Hello, everyone. It’s been a while. I’m greeting you again with my single ‘Lullaby.’ Thank you sincerely to the fans who supported me during this long wait.”
He continued, “I’m also grateful to the many people who helped me along the way. It feels like this moment is one we’ve all dreamed of together, making it all the more emotional. Please support me going forward. Thank you so much, and I love you.”
This single is Jung’s first since his 2019 track “Spoiler (Feat. Babylon)” and serves as his stepping stone back into the K-pop industry following his legal and personal struggles.
Born on October 4, 1994, Jung Ilhoon celebrated his 30th birthday this year. To commemorate the occasion, he held an exhibition titled “tiny ark” from October 4 to 6 in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Having shared glimpses of his art process through SNS, he used a two-story venue to host the exhibit and meet fans.
Jung Ilhoon was caught in December 2020 for purchasing and using marijuana 161 times between July 2016 and January 2019, spending around 130 million KRW. Following this, he left BTOB, and in his first trial, he was sentenced to two years in prison and fined around 133 million KRW.
However, during his appeal, the court reduced his sentence to two years in prison with a three-year probation period, along with 40 hours of drug rehabilitation and a fine of 126.63 million KRW. The court cited his voluntary cessation of drug use in January 2019, his lack of prior criminal record, his efforts to undergo drug addiction treatment and the support of his family as reasons for the lighter sentence.
Throughout his appeals process, Jung Ilhoon submitted 88 letters of remorse to the court, pleading for leniency. After his release, he publicly apologized to fans on SNS, writing, “During the years of investigation, trial and time spent in detention, I was able to reflect deeply on my life. I regret my actions and will do my best to live correctly from now on, ensuring that I never hurt anyone again.”
He added, “As much harm as I caused to society and as much as I disappointed those who believed in me, I will strive to live righteously, making sure I never repeat the same mistakes. I will carefully watch over myself and my surroundings to ensure I make the right choices in the future.“
Since then, Jung Ilhoon has kept a low profile, occasionally updating his Instagram with posts about his life and art. Now, with this three-day exhibition, he cautiously reengages with the public, raising curiosity about whether this marks his return to the spotlight.
Source: Nate
