Choi Minhwan participated in the Taiwan concert from backstage due to allegations of visiting a prostitution establishment. Following these claims, he withdrew from future concerts, and his agency confirmed that a session drummer would replace him. Online communities reacted to the concert arrangements, noting the difficulties in finding a substitute drummer on short notice.
Choi Minhwan Performs Backstage at Taiwan Concert
Choi Minhwan, a member of the band FT Island, faced allegations of visiting a prostitution establishment. Due to these allegations, he either did not participate on stage or performed backstage during the band’s Taiwan concert on October 26, 2024. On October 25, Xilin Entertainment, the concert organizer, issued a statement. They said that after much discussion, Choi would perform from backstage due to personal reasons and apologized for any inconvenience caused. Despite this, FT Island went ahead with their Asia tour concert, ‘2024 FT Island Live Pulse,’ in Kaohsiung as scheduled.
Impact of Allegations on Future Concerts
Choi Minhwan also withdrew from the ‘Grand Mint Festival (GMF) 2024,’ scheduled for November 2. FNC Entertainment announced this decision, stating that a session drummer would take over Choi’s drum position. The rest of the FT Island members would proceed with the concert without disruption, following their prepared setlist. The agency emphasized that Choi decided to step back due to the growing scandal, which arose after his ex-wife Yulhee’s claims.
Yulhee’s Allegations and Details Shared on YouTube
On October 24, Yulhee uploaded a video on her YouTube channel, “Yulhee’s House,” titled “Untitled,” where she accused Choi Minhwan of visiting a prostitution establishment. She said a major incident happened about a year before their divorce, which changed her married life entirely.
She described incidents where Choi, while intoxicated, behaved inappropriately in front of family members by touching her and inserting money into her clothing. Yulhee claimed that one time he placed money between her breasts while their family was around. At the end of the video, Yulhee shared a recorded conversation. In it, Choi asked the other person if any women were available, stating he wanted to go out. He mentioned, “There are no girls. The wait is too long,” and “I am free now. Is there anywhere I can go?” When suggested to spend time with his wife and children, he responded, “Don’t say such strange things. I am with them every day.”
Concert Plans Adjusted After Choi Minhwan Scandal
On October 25, FNC Entertainment issued a statement. They said that while it is difficult to grasp the full details of Choi Minhwan’s private life, he acknowledged his responsibility for disappointing many fans and viewers. The agency shared that Choi would suspend all media activities, including his role on the KBS 2TV show ‘The Return of Superman,’ where he has now been officially removed. Meanwhile, the Seoul Gangnam Police began investigating Choi and an intermediary known as ‘A’ for possible violations of the Anti-Prostitution Law, following a public complaint filed through the National Sinmungo (a public petition platform).
Online Reactions to Choi Minhwan and Concert Arrangements
News of Choi Minhwan’s allegations spread across Korean online communities, particularly on ‘theqoo,’ a popular female-oriented platform. Users on the forum reacted with humor to the news that Choi would play drums from backstage during the concert. Many speculated that the band could not find a replacement drummer at short notice, as drummers need time to rehearse and coordinate with the band members. They interpreted this decision as a last-minute measure. While the majority held negative views on the solicitation allegations, most users also acknowledged the practical challenges in replacing Choi immediately for the concert.
Here’s a link to theqoo.I appreciate you taking the time to read this post. Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Do Koreans really expect celebrities to be perfect? They’re human too, for crying out loud! Why set such high moral standards and then tear them down when they inevitably fall short?
Cases like these show that Japanese society is better than Korean society in a lot of aspects. No one in Japan would care about a man (or even a woman) soliciting prostitution.