FT Island's Lee Hongki Writes Ambiguous Post To Fans Amid Choi Min-Hwan's Controversy

Leader of the K-pop rock band FT Island, Lee Hongki, broke his silence and spoke about the controversy surrounding his fellow member, Choi Min-hwan.

On the 25th, Hongki took to Weverse with an exclusive, member-only post. In his message, he acknowledged the sensitive nature of Min-hwan's issue, expressed his disappointment, and demanded accountability for the wrongdoings committed. However, he also added a cryptic reminder which left fans wondering if he meant something behind it.



Previously, Choi Min-hwan has been embroiled in a controversy over misconduct, particularly his alleged brothel visits. The controversy was brought to light after Min-hwan's ex-wife, Yulhee, made shocking revelations on her YouTube channel on the 24th. According to Yulhee, Choi Min-hwan frequented prostitution establishments during their marriage and had instances of abuse towards her.

In response to the issue, FT Island's agency FNC Entertainment stated, It is difficult for us to know the details of a person's private life related to marital issues, but Choi Min-hwan feels responsible for disappointing the public. Thus, he will halt all media activities, including his appearance on 'The Return of Superman' with his children.

I don't get netizens going for Hongki's neck just bc he spoke saying it is the couple's private lives and not to believe everything. Like it is quite obvious that he's not shielding Minhwan, but he's being respectful to the couple because it is issues regarding their marriage

— Sana's Girl (@huskiro) October 25, 2024

Also this is Minhwan doing please don’t drag Hongki and Jaejin to it, knetz saying why the two of them unlucky and should just be a duo going forward

— ƒαrαн (@twinkyxstar) October 25, 2024

• It would’ve been better to remain quiet than post something like this
• Private life?? To be visiting room salons????????
• Men’s friendship is amazing
• Well, he forgot that prostitution is illegal. Oh, didn’t he know?
• Prostitution is not private life, it is illegal and it is cheating on your partner
• Is he saying prostitution is private life? Prostitution is a crime in Korea
• What he means is that you shouldn’t believe things too easily. Did Yulhee create Choi Minhwan’s voice with AI??
• I trusted Hongki but I’m so disappointed
• Wow, this is the loyalty of men

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- UPDATE -

Lee Hongki has once again drawn attention through his remarks that seem to defend his fellow FT Island member, Choi Min-hwan.

On the 26th, a fan wrote on Weverse to call out Hongki about his stance on Min-hwan's issue, which was brought to light in his now-deleted post. The fan asked Hongki to 'think about what he said one more time', urging him to reflect on his words, to which Hongki came off as defensive and replied What if he did not pay for sex? What if it was not a brothel? Are you going to take responsibility for what you just said?






In Hongki's now-deleted Weverse post, he reminded fans to 'not believe anything so easily'. His hostile reply to the fan just fueled netizens's suspicions that he might be defending Min-hwan, or that there could be another side to the whole controversy that is yet to be revealed. Fans are now coming at Hongki, describing his move as 'picking up a fight' or 'engaging in power struggles with fans'.

• Please stay quiet ㅜ what's wrong with you? I thought you had a good head on your shoulders, why are you even involving yourself in the business between a couple?
• Okay, so if he didn't solicit pr*stitution? Does that still make it okay that a father to three children was in those places in the first place? While cosplaying the image of a loving father on TV?
• We all heard the recordings, what are you even talking about Hongki-ya... this isn't anything for you to defend. There's no room for misunderstandings here. We all heard his voice ask if there were any ladies available. Wake up~~
• You're still defending him even with the recordings of him asking for a motel room? Asking to make sure there's spare toothbrushes in the rooms? Asking for ladies available?? Are you deaf or something??? Just stay quiet no matter how close you think you are to him

This female fan is a paying subscriber, and she's speaking so politely and kindly, making sure not to offend him. So why is he reacting so sensitively toward her?

— Hannam siloc 한남실록🇰🇷 (@corine9000) October 26, 2024

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