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On October 25, 2024, FT ISLAND's Lee Hong-ki took to the South Korean social media platform Weverse, allegedly showcasing support to the fellow bandmate Choi Min-hwan amid prostitution allegations.
He mentioned that in the update it was two people's private lives, and subsequently, things have turned out like that. They needed to admit their wrongdoings and issue an apology. However, the fans should not believe everything easily. He added, as translated by KBIZOOM:
"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.”
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For those unversed, FT Island's Choi Min-hwan was allegedly accused of visiting s*x establishments. The accusations were revealed by his ex-wife Yul-hee, through her official YouTube channel on October 24, 2024. She disclosed that her former husband often had s*x with prostitutes throughout their marriage.
FT ISLAND's Lee Hong-ki cryptic Weverse post created confusion in the fandom
Through Lee Hong-ki's official Weverse post, the male artist expressed his desire to safeguard and endure again. It is to be noted that he did not mention any group or individual's name while expressing his desire to safeguard or endure once again. He further stated that he would continue to move forward even if he got hit by stones.
The fandom has been discussing the real meaning behind Lee Hong-ki's Weverse post. Some were speculating that it might be related to Choi Min-hwan's recent scandals. Other fans stated that it could be related to the former member Choi Joog-hoon, who departed from the group in 2019 following his involvement in the infamous Burning Sun scandal.
Regarding Choi Min-hwan's latest prostitution allegations, the agency FNC reported to the media outlet Sports Chosun as translated by Google:
"It is difficult for us to know the details of a person's private life related to martial issues. Choi Min-hwan feels responsible for disappointing the public and viewers. Therefore, he has decided to suspend all media activities, including the broadcast program where he appears with his children. We apologize for causing discomfort and concern to many people."
For those unversed, FT ISLAND, also known as Five Treasure Island, is a South Korean rock band managed and formed by FNC Entertainment. It features three members, including the main vocalist Lee Hong-gi, drummer Choi Min-hwan, and bassist Lee Jae-jin. They have been associated with other labels, including AI (Japan) and Warner Japan.
The group debuted on the program M Countdown on June 7, 2007, with their single Love Sick. The debut studio album Cheerful Sensibility emerged as the sixth best-selling of the year, and Love Sick topped the K-pop charts for eight consecutive weeks. FT ISLAND bagged multiple accolades, including Best New Male Group, Rookie of the Year, Golden Disk Awards, and other honors.
The band has an impressive discography, including Cheerful Sensibility, Colorful Sensibility, Cross & Change, Five Treasure Box, I Will, Over 10 Years, New Page, N.W.U, and other tracks.
