Park Jun-hwan, who joined the rookie boy group iDOT under Starship Entertainment, is ultimately leaving the team.
Starship Entertainment noted on the 2nd, "We would like to provide information regarding the departure of cast member Park Jun-hwan from '[Debut's Plan].'" They stated, "The recent rumors about Park Jun-hwan circulating online are completely unfounded, and we have clearly confirmed through the academic records and statements from school officials that Park Jun-hwan is a diligent and responsible student."
They further clarified, "The activities of accounts impersonating alumni, including those in anonymous open chat rooms, have been confirmed, and we have secured objective evidence that can determine this as impersonation."
Starship stated, "However, due to baseless rumors, malicious slander, and continuous harmful comments, the minor Park Jun-hwan is experiencing mental distress that is difficult to bear. Recently, the situation has deteriorated to the point of seriously disrupting his daily life." They explained, "In response, we have been working to assist in psychological recovery through consultations with professionals, but as he has seriously communicated his desire to step down from team activities, we have decided to respect that wish and allow him ample time for rest."
They added, "We plan to continue our unwavering support so that Park Jun-hwan can restore his health through sufficient rest and can take steps towards a new dream, outside of being a member of iDOT."
In particular, Starship intends to take legal action regarding the rumors targeting Park Jun-hwan. Starship emphasized, "We will take legal measures against the initial disseminators and related parties based on Article 44-7, Paragraph 1, Items 1 and 2, and Articles 70 and 74 of the Act on the Regulation of Communications and Information, as well as the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, regarding malicious comments, dissemination of false facts, and sexual harassment against minors. Sexual harassment and personal violations against minors online are clearly serious crimes, and we will not condone it."
In conjunction with Park Jun-hwan's departure, Starship also released an apology letter from individual A, who spread the rumors. Individual A acknowledged in a handwritten apology, "I spoke falsehoods as if they were true regarding stories that had not been verified online and on social media, and I recklessly used expressions that hinted at Park Jun-hwan's private life, causing serious harm to his reputation and image."
The following is the full statement from Starship Entertainment regarding Park Jun-hwan's departure.
Hello, this is Starship Entertainment.
We would like to provide information regarding the departure of cast member Park Jun-hwan from '[Debut's Plan].'
The recent rumors about Park Jun-hwan circulating online are completely unfounded, and we have clearly confirmed through the academic records and statements from school officials that Park Jun-hwan is a diligent and responsible student.
Additionally, the activities of accounts impersonating alumni, including those in anonymous open chat rooms, have been confirmed, and we have secured objective evidence that can determine this as impersonation.
However, due to baseless rumors, malicious slander, and continuous harmful comments, the minor Park Jun-hwan is experiencing mental distress that is difficult to bear, and recently the situation has deteriorated to the point of seriously disrupting his daily life.
In response, we have been working to assist in psychological recovery through consultations with professionals, but as he has seriously communicated his desire to step down from team activities, we have decided to respect that wish and allow him ample time for rest.
We plan to continue our unwavering support so that Park Jun-hwan can restore his health through sufficient rest and can take steps towards a new dream, outside of being a member of iDOT.
Meanwhile, we will take legal measures against the initial disseminators and related parties based on Article 44-7, Paragraph 1, Items 1 and 2, and Articles 70 and 74 of the Act on the Regulation of Communications and Information, as well as the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, regarding malicious comments, dissemination of false facts, and sexual harassment against minors.
Sexual harassment and personal violations against minors online are clearly serious crimes, and we will not condone it.
We sincerely apologize for causing concern among fans and promise to do our utmost to protect the rights and dignity of our artists.
Although he could not debut, we ask for generous understanding regarding Park Jun-hwan's decision to support his fellow members, and we ask for your continued warmth and support.
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment.
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