[Sports Chosun Reporter Baek Ji-eun] Even after being cleared of prostitution allegations, Choi Min-hwan of the group FT Island took time for self-reflection.
FNC Entertainment (hereafter FNC) held a large-scale family concert titled ‘2024 FNC Kingdom – Sing Sing Sing (hereafter FNC Kingdom)’ at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Chiba, Japan, over two days on the 14th and 15th.
All performers appeared singing the signature and theme song of ‘FNC Kingdom’, ‘Sing Alone’.
The bands FT Island and CNBLUE opened and closed the performance, solidifying their status as original Hallyu bands. FT Island performed six songs, beginning with ‘Pray’, followed by ‘Stay What You Are’, ‘Orange Days’, and more. CNBLUE performed seven songs, including ‘Was It You or That Time’, ‘In My Head’, and ‘Insaeng Changa’ live. Additionally, the main vocalists of each group, Lee Hong-ki and Jung Yong-hwa, performed the OST ‘Sonagi’ from ‘Runaway with My Son’, and concluded with FT Island’s ‘Love Love Love’ and Jung Yong-hwa’s ‘One Fine Day’. Lee Jae-jin also collaborated with Kim Hyun-yul of Hi-Fi Unicorn to perform Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s ‘Aoi Tori’.
The concert continued with dazzling performances from other FNC artists such as N.Flying, Hi-Fi Unicorn, SF9, P1Harmony, Ampersand One, and actor Jung Hae-in.
However, Choi Min-hwan was noticeably absent.
Choi Min-hwan had been cleared of the prostitution and sexual assault allegations that stemmed from the revelations of his ex-wife Yulhee. Yulhee accused Choi Min-hwan of frequenting certain establishments during their marriage and sexually assaulting her in front of his parents, even revealing chat logs suggesting suspicion of prostitution. However, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul decided on November 29 not to forward the case to prosecution due to insufficient evidence to substantiate the charges of violating the Anti-Prostitution Act and sexual assault.
Choi Min-hwan commented, “The investigation took longer for a thorough examination. In a situation where one-sided claims, false information, and numerous distorted speculations were spreading as if they were facts, making any premature statements could worsen the situation. I wanted to handle things well, especially considering our three children. I sincerely apologize to the fans and fellow members. I’m truly sorry for the worry and hardship I caused. I deeply regret and reflect on this matter and vow to show a more responsible and mature side of myself moving forward.”
With Choi Min-hwan now cleared of all allegations, there is speculation about his return to FT Island, but he remains cautious.
Meanwhile, following the successful completion of ‘FNC Kingdom’, FNC plans to hold ‘1st FNC BAND KINGDOM in TAOYUAN’ at Taoyuan Arena on January 4~5 next year, featuring FNC’s bands. Just like the differentiated ‘FNC Kingdom’ and ‘FNC Band Kingdom’, their solid live skills and performances, along with the diverse arrangements of the family concert, captivate both fans and concert enthusiasts, establishing themselves as a unique concert brand expanding globally.