Lee Honggi Responds to Allegations Against Choi Minhwan

Lee Honggi faced backlash after expressing support for Choi Minhwan, who is under allegations of soliciting prostitution. Despite criticisms on social media, Lee initially defended Choi but later deleted his comments. The controversy has intensified, with a police investigation ongoing and fans pressuring Choi to leave FTISLAND.

Support from Lee Honggi Amid Allegations

Lee Honggi, a member of FTISLAND, expressed support for Choi Minhwan, who faces allegations of soliciting prostitution. On October 26, Lee shared photos from their Asia tour concert in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. During the performance, Choi played drums offstage, while only Lee and Lee Jae-jin appeared on stage. Lee’s message conveyed gratitude to a close friend, stating that he gained strength from their meeting. He emphasized the importance of discussing matters face-to-face to avoid misunderstandings.

The Response of Lee Honggi to Fan Comments and Allegations

Following Lee’s post, a fan criticized Choi Minhwan on Weverse, highlighting that the main issue was whether Choi, a father of two, engaged in soliciting prostitution. The fan claimed there was ample evidence, and an investigation had begun. In response, Lee questioned whether the fan could take responsibility if Choi did not commit the alleged acts. This led to accusations that Lee was defending Choi, and he soon deleted his comment.

Previous Statements Supporting Choi Minhwan

On October 25, Lee had already posted a message implying support for Choi, advising fans not to believe everything easily. Allegations against Choi surfaced on October 24, when his ex-wife, Yulhee, revealed details about their relationship in a YouTube video. She mentioned a significant incident before their divorce that changed her marriage. Yulhee described Choi’s inappropriate actions in front of family members and indicated that his behavior seemed habitual. She later realized it might have been connected to visits to certain establishments.

Allegations Against Choi Minhwan and Police Investigation

Yulhee released an audio recording where Choi spoke about wanting to visit places with young women. This fueled allegations that Choi frequented venues linked to prostitution. The Seoul Gangnam Police confirmed they were investigating Choi and a broker based on complaints under the anti-prostitution law. The investigation could have serious implications for Choi’s future if evidence is found.

Online Reactions, Evidence Issues, and Potential Impact on Lee Honggi and Allegations

The backlash against Lee’s defense of Choi intensified on the online platform theqoo, where over 1,800 comments criticized his stance. Some users perceived Lee’s comments as antagonizing fans and questioned if he was defending men’s loyalty. While many believe there is evidence suggesting Choi’s frequent visits to such venues, no direct proof of prostitution has surfaced. Some members of the community speculated that Lee’s comments implied there was no issue with a married man visiting establishments with hostesses.

The police investigation focuses on incidents from July 2022, and gathering evidence will be challenging due to the time that has passed. Unless authorities catch such actions on-site, further investigation may yield no results. However, the damage to Choi’s reputation may be irreversible, and he faces pressure to leave FTISLAND as fans express their disappointment.

Choi Minhwan to Perform Backstage at Taiwan Concert

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.

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