FT Island's Lee Hongki has sparked attention with poignant comments following his defense of member Choi Min-hwan amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
On October 26, Lee expressed gratitude to fans, stating, "I really appreciate it. I gained a lot of strength from my closest friend today." He emphasized the importance of meeting in person to clear any misunderstandings, indicating a bond with both fans and his group members. Alongside this message, a photo was shared showing only Lee Hongki and Lee Jaejin, notably excluding Min-hwan, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
Previously, on October 25, Lee addressed the controversy in the fan community Weverse, acknowledging the personal nature of the issues while urging caution in judging others. A fan's comment questioning the evidence against Min-hwan resonated with Lee, who seemed to defend his bandmate but later deleted his response. This incident comes in light of Min-hwan's announcement to halt activities following serious allegations disclosed by his ex-wife, Yulhee.
The leaked recordings have raised eyebrows, with Min-hwan using explicit language regarding escort services, leading to a call for his departure from the group. Amid the turmoil, FT Island's agency, FNC Entertainment, confirmed that Min-hwan would suspend all media activities, including his appearances on “The Return of Superman,” where he featured with his children. Events like the Grand Mint Festival 2024 are considering replacing Min-hwan for upcoming performances, reflecting the ongoing implications of these allegations.
In response to the allegations, the Gangnam Police have launched a pre-investigation into Min-hwan regarding potential violations of the prostitution punishment law.