FT Island's Lee Hong-ki shared his complex emotions during their first performance without Min-Hwan, who is embroiled in a prostitution controversy.
The event took place on October 2 at the Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, as part of the 'Grand Mint Festival 2024.' This marked the group's first official performance since Min-Hwan faced allegations related to prostitution. During a previous concert in Taiwan, Min-Hwan had performed behind the scenes, but this show introduced a new two-member format with Lee Hong-ki and Lee Jae-jin taking the stage without him.
Despite the controversy, Lee Hong-ki poured his heart into the performance, stating, "It's a joy to sing in front of you, and I hope to make your weekend meaningful and enjoyable." He also indicated a shift in their setlist, opting to showcase their latest music instead of familiar hits to better reflect their current style. Lee candidly expressed the emotional toll the situation has taken on him, revealing it affected his performance condition.
After a brief encore, Lee Hong-ki expressed feelings of sadness due to the recent controversies but thanked the audience for their unwavering support. He committed to continuing music until his last breath and showed appreciation for the crowd's encouragement despite the challenges faced by the group. This performance was a crucial moment for the band as they navigate these turbulent times.
Min-Hwan’s previous wife, Yulhee, recently made headlines by unveiling accusations of sexual misconduct and recording suspicious phone calls. Following these revelations, Min-Hwan was reported to the police for violating anti-prostitution laws, leading to his withdrawal from all ongoing television programs. Moreover, their agency, FNC Entertainment, announced that the group would continue in a two-member format, signaling a significant change in their lineup.