FT Island's Choi Min-hwan is under investigation for allegations related to sexual misconduct, sending shockwaves through the K-pop industry.
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has assigned the case to the Youth and Women’s Investigation Team, focusing on allegations of a violation of the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes. The police plan to summon the complainant as a witness for questioning soon, although no date has been set for Choi Min-hwan's potential summons. In response to inquiries about whether there is any validity to the accusations, a police official stated that it's too early in the investigation to comment.
Previously, his ex-wife, Yul-hee, accused him of visiting entertainment establishments during their marriage and of inappropriate behavior in front of her in-laws. Additionally, she released recorded conversations that suggested potential solicitation, including phrases that raised concerns about his conduct. This controversy has led to Choi Min-hwan stepping down from KBS2's "The Return of Superman," with the network proactively removing his footage to protect minors.
FT Island has also halted its activities, with Choi participating humiliatingly behind the scenes during a performance in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on the 26th. His agency, FNC Entertainment, announced that the group will continue with a two-member system featuring Lee Hong-ki and Lee Jae-jin for the time being. In light of the allegations, netizens have called for a thorough investigation into the claims of violations of the Special Act on Prostitution and the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes.