Choi Min-hwan, a member of the band FTISLAND, directly denied allegations of prostitution that arose following the release of a recorded conversation by former wife Yul-hee.
On the 18th, Choi Min-hwan wrote on the fan communication platform Weverse, "I will say just one word regardless of the agency," and noted, "When I am affiliated with a company or part of a group, I feel there is too much to protect rather than my own position," declaring that he had not engaged in prostitution.
Choi Min-hwan wrote, "I have never engaged in prostitution, and saying that it was dismissed due to insufficient evidence—how does one prove something they haven't done," adding "that's why I had nothing more to say."
On Oct. 24, Yul-hee released a recorded conversation with a person referred to as A on her YouTube channel, claiming that her ex-husband Choi Min-hwan had issues with personal behavior, such as frequenting entertainment establishments during their marriage, and asserted that he engaged in inappropriate physical contact, like touching her body parts in front of the family.
As the controversy grew, Choi Min-hwan announced the suspension of activities by withdrawing from appearances, including on KBS 2TV's 'The Return of Superman,' while the police began an investigation after receiving a civilian report through the 'Citizen's Sinmungo.'
Subsequently, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced on the 29th of last month that they decided not to forward Choi Min-hwan's case of alleged violations of the anti-prostitution law and forcible molestation to the prosecution, citing insufficient evidence to acknowledge criminal charges.
Regarding recorded conversation contents showing that Choi Min-hwan asked a man, appearing to be an acquaintance, to book a lodging establishment, he argued, "I went there because I wanted to be alone and find it hard to expect others to believe this," adding, "I wish there were precise evidence, but there isn't—sorry. I had no way or defense to offer."
He further added, "I hope you sincerely understand that it really isn't true," saying, "And I have no intention of hiding or running away. I'm really sorry."
However, later rebuttals arose questioning, "What was it about asking to prepare two toothbrushes and 'condition,' if you went to a lodging to be alone, don't you know how to book it yourself?"
To this, Choi Min-hwan countered, "Regarding the 'condition' and toothbrush, I've been tied for a long time due to a vasectomy, so I don't need condoms, and I normally use a toothbrush wherever I go because I am clean, so why is there curiosity?"
However, opinions continued to point out Choi Min-hwan's awareness of the fact that 'condition' is slang for condoms in the context of prostitution, as well as his avoidance of denying visiting certain establishments despite claiming, "I did not engage in prostitution."