"If it's not sex trafficking, can you be responsible?" FT Lee Hong-ki reignites controversy over Choi Min-hwan's second defense (Roundup)
Oct 27, 2024
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On the 25th, Lee Hong-ki posted on social media, `It was their personal lives, and this is what happened. You have to admit you did something wrong and bow your head and apologize. Still, we should not all believe too easily." Then "I have to protect it again. You have to endure it. That's who we are. All I can do is move forward, getting hit by rocks."
The remarks were taken as a nuance that seemed to defend Choi Min-hwan, sparking controversy. As criticism intensified, Lee Hong-ki immediately deleted the post. However, he posted on the official fan community Weverse again on the 26th, expressing his opposition, saying, `If it's not sex trafficking, can you take responsibility for what you're saying now?'
Lee's remarks caused disappointment and criticism among fans and Internet users. In particular, some netizens took issue with Lee Hong-ki's attitude, pointing out that `Why did Choi Jong-hoon, who left the team in 2019 on charges of sexual assault while defending Choi Min-hwan?'
Choi Min-hwan is suspected of entering a prostitution business with a video revealed by his ex-wife Yul-hee through YouTube. Yul-hee made a shocking claim, saying, `I touched my important part in front of my family and put money in my pajama chest.' The scandal then spread by releasing a transcript of the phone call between Choi Min-hwan and officials at the prostitution establishment.
Announcing Choi's suspension of activities, FNC Entertainment stated, `Although it is difficult to grasp the details of the privacy related to the marital problem, we feel responsible for disappointing many members of the public and viewers.'
Choi Min-hwan and Yul-hee married in 2018 and had three children, but divorced in December last year. Since then, Choi Min-hwan has taken custody, but all his activities have been suspended due to the alleged prostitution.
mj.cho@sportschosun.com
