Police Launch Full Investigation into Choi Min-hwan Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Oct 31, 2024
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On the 31st, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that it had assigned multiple investigative teams to handle allegations against FTIsland member Choi Min-hwan concerning possible violations of the Sex Trafficking and Sexual Violence Punishment Act. The allegations include claims of forced harassment involving family members.
The police plan to summon the accuser as a witness and begin a detailed investigation. However, they have not yet decided whether Choi Min-hwan himself will be called in for questioning. When asked about the possibility of Choi’s recall and any formal charges, a police representative stated, "It is difficult to comment on a case that is still in its early stages."
These allegations came to light on the 24th, when Choi's ex-wife, Yul-hee, accused him of sexual harassment in front of her parents-in-law during their marriage. Yul-hee also released a transcript of Choi's conversation with an entertainment company official, which included slang and expressions that led to suspicions about his possible involvement in entertainment establishments and prostitution, with comments like, "Is there no girl in a shirt?" and "Is there a hotel nearby?"
In response to the controversy, Choi stepped down from KBS2’s 'Superman is Back.' KBS explained that this decision was made “preemptively to protect underage children,” adding that videos of Choi’s appearances in 'Superman is Back' and 'Living Men' were subsequently removed from their platform. However, KBS is reportedly more cautious about reviewing his appearances in 'The Seasons' due to his musical role in the program.
Choi’s involvement in FTIsland’s activities has also been affected. He participated in the band’s Taiwan Kaohsiung concert on the 26th, playing drums backstage, but subsequently announced a temporary suspension of his FT Island activities. According to his agency, FNC Entertainment, FT Island will continue as a duo for the time being, featuring Lee Hong-gi and Lee Jae-jin.
Meanwhile, netizens have filed formal complaints, calling for a thorough investigation into possible violations of the Special Act on Prostitution and the Punishment of Sexual Violence.
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