Lee Hongki Distances Himself from Choi Minhwan Amid Scandal, FT Island Confirms Two-Member Lineup
On the 7th, Lee Hongki shared the poster for FT Island’s upcoming concert, Love in Seoul 2024, scheduled for November 24 at Mastercard Hall in Hannam-dong, Yongsan, Seoul. The poster, which only features Hongki and Lee Jaejin, drew attention for the absence of Choi Minhwan.
In response, Lee Hongki addressed fans on the global community platform Weverse, saying, “It was the two’s private lives, and things have turned out like this. They need to admit their wrongs and bow their heads in apology. But we shouldn’t believe everything so easily.”
Furthermore, he added, “I need to protect and endure once again—that’s who we are. What I can do is keep moving forward, even if I get hit by stones.”
Given the timing of his post, many suspect that Hong-ki is referring to fellow member Choi Min-hwan, who has recently been caught up in controversy following revelations from his ex-wife Yul-hee about their private life. However, it’s unclear whether “the two” Hong-ki mentioned refers to Min-hwan and Yul-hee or to Min-hwan and former member Choi Jong-hoon.
Phrases like “I need to protect and endure” and “that’s who we are” suggest Hong-ki’s determination to keep FT Island’s activities on track, despite the risks posed by members’ scandals. In the past, Choi Jong-hoon left the group in 2019 after being implicated in the infamous Burning Sun scandal alongside Jung Joon-young. Guitarist Song Seung-hyun also departed that year after his contract ended.
Since then, FT Island has been operating as a trio with Hong-ki, bassist Lee Jae-jin and drummer Choi Min-hwan. However, Min-hwan’s prostitution allegations have cast a shadow over the group’s activities. In fact, during FT Island’s Asia tour “2024 FT ISLAND LIVE ‘PULSE'”, set to take place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on October 26th, an unprecedented situation will occur where Choi Min-hwan will play the drums from behind the stage. Additionally, FT Island will perform without Choi Min-hwan at the “Grand Mint Festival 2024”, scheduled to be held at Olympic Park in Songpa, Seoul on November 2nd.
Hong-ki’s post seems to express his frustration over the situation. Some fans speculate that his comment “Don’t believe everything so easily” might be directed at Yul-hee.
Regarding the recent allegations, Choi Min-hwan’s agency FNC Entertainment stated, “While it’s difficult for us to fully grasp the details of their marital issues as they pertain to private matters, Choi Min-hwan feels responsible for disappointing many members of the public and viewers. Therefore, he has decided to suspend all media activities, including the broadcast program where he appears with his children.” The agency added, “We sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and concern to many people.”
Choi Min-hwan has decided to step down from KBS 2TV’s “The Return of Superman”.
Source: Nate, Daum