FTISLAND has announced that they will continue their activities as a 2-member group for the time being, following the recent prostitution allegations against member Choi Minhwan.
On October 29, FNC Entertainment announced, “After in-depth discussions about FTISLAND’s future activities, we have decided to continue activities temporarily as a 2-member system (Lee Hong Ki and Lee Jae Jin).”
The notice further stated, “Starting from the schedule on November 2, the drum position will be replaced with a session musician, and Lee Hong Ki and Lee Jae Jin will perform without any issues, as they have thoroughly prepared.”
Previously, Choi Minhwan faced backlash after his ex-wife, Yulhee, uploaded a YouTube video on October 24, revealing intimate details about his personal life. The video included an audio recording of Choi Min-hwan conversing with someone.
In the recording, Choi allegedly asked, ‘I want to go out and play’ and ‘Is there a girl?’ These comments fueled suspicions that he visited a brothel.
Yulhee not only accused her of visiting adult entertainment establishments but also touched her inappropriately in front of her family.
As a result, Choi Minhwan will suspend all media activities, including broadcasts with his children.
Consequently, Choi Minhwan withdrew from KBS 2TV’s ‘Return of Superman’ and made a low-key appearance, playing drums backstage at FT Island’s ‘Pulse’ Asia Tour in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on October 26.
Choi Minhwan faces an investigation by Seoul Gangnam Police Station for alleged prostitution violations.
Meanwhile, FTISLAND will proceed with their upcoming schedule as a 2-member duo. The group’s upcoming schedule includes the Grand Mint Festival 2024 (November 2), Hansoowon Music Festival ‘Theater’ (November 8), 2024 FT Island Live ‘Pulse’ in Macau (November 10), Live on Busan (November 17), and Love in Soul 2024 ( November 24).
Lee Hong Ki and Lee Jae Jin will perform together, accompanied by session musicians for the drum segment.