On October 24th, Yulhee posted a 37-minute video on her channel revealing details about her married life with Choi Min-hwan.
Yulhee claimed, “There was a major incident about a year before our divorce. That moment completely changed our marriage.” She continued, “I was okay with the struggles of childcare and our constant fights. I even enjoyed living with the extended family. However, after that incident, I couldn’t bear being in that house anymore. Even facing family members became difficult.”
Furthermore, Yulhee revealed, “He (Choi Min-hwan) would touch my body in front of family members and stuff money here (in my chest).” She elaborated, “When we played Go-Stop with family, he would fold money and tuck it into my nightwear’s chest area when others weren’t looking. I later realized such drunken behaviors were habits (from frequenting these adult entertainment establishments).” She added, “The puzzle pieces started fitting together – the way he would touch intimate areas and grab my chest even in front of his parents.”
Yulhee also released recorded phone conversations. In multiple recordings from July and August 2022, Choi Min-hwan can be heard talking to a male individual, saying suspicious things like “I snuck out, please make a reservation at XX” and “I heard XX doesn’t have any girls.”
During the divorce proceedings, when Yulhee requested custody, Choi Min-hwan allegedly offered 50 million won (around $36,000 USD) in settlement money and 2 million won monthly child support for their three children. Yulhee explained her decision to give up custody: “Regardless of how much I despise his actions towards me, he hasn’t done anything wrong as a father to the children” and “The children have a house, an extended family, and they are happy in this environment.”
While Choi Min-hwan’s agency announced the suspension of his broadcast activities, he is expected to continue with performances.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that a police investigation request has been filed through the e-People Petition website against Choi Min-hwan and facilitator A for violating the Special Law on Sex Trade. The Seoul Gangnam Police Station is preparing to launch an investigation into the case.
Born in 1992, Choi Min-hwan debuted as FT ISLAND’s drummer in 2007 at just 15 years old.
In 2017, while both were active idols, Choi and Yulhee confirmed their relationship, after which Yulhee left her group.
Subsequently, in 2018, Choi Min-hwan announced both Yulhee’s pregnancy and their marriage simultaneously. At the time, he stated, “From our public relationship announcement last year to the sudden marriage announcement early this year, I’m sure many of you were surprised,” and “I wanted to share my important life events first with our Primadonna (fandom) who have always supported us and shown great affection for FTISLAND.”
He continued, “I’m going to be a father soon. Although I’m still very young and far from ready to be a father, I’m working hard to become a good dad that they won’t be ashamed of me.””
At the time, Yulhee was just 20 years old, making her the youngest idol to get married. She later gave birth to their son Choi Jae-yul, followed by twin daughters Choi A-yoon and Choi A-rin in 2020.
However, they announced their divorce in December 2023. Yulhee stated that she transferred custody to Choi Min-hwan for the children’s stability and financial reasons, but maintained unrestricted visitation rights through mutual agreement.
After the divorce, Choi Min-hwan appeared on “The Return of Superman” while Yulhee appeared on “All By Myself” to share their post-divorce lives. Recently on “All By Myself,” Yulhee expressed her struggles with malicious comments calling her “irresponsible.” This seemingly prompted her to reveal the truth about their divorce through her video on October 24th, which has shifted public opinion.
Meanwhile, FT ISLAND’s vocalist Lee Hong-ki appeared troubled by his bandmate’s controversy. He wrote a meaningful message: “This was their private matter that has now become public. If mistakes were made, one should acknowledge them and apologize with humility.” He also added, “Still, we shouldn’t be too quick to believe everything. I must protect and endure – that’s who we are. All I can do is move forward while being hit by stones along the way.”
Source: Daum
