Drummer Choi Min-hwan has officially announced his return to FT Island's domestic performances. It has been three months since he declared a temporary suspension of activities in March.
FT Island will hold the 2025 FTISLAND LIVE 'MAD HAPPY' from August 23 to 24 at the Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Seoul, meeting with fans. 'MAD HAPPY' expresses the feeling of 'being extremely happy' in an intuitive and honest way, signifying that the moments of enjoying time with the audience on stage are when FT Island feels the truest happiness.
The agency FNC Entertainment announced the concert to fans, adding that "The performance is expected to feature Lee Hong-ki, Lee Jae-jin, and Choi Min-hwan, so please take note when making reservations." This officially marks drummer Choi Min-hwan's return, who had only participated in overseas performances until now.
Previously, Choi Min-hwan suspended his activities due to allegations from his ex-wife, Yul-hee, in October of last year. At that time, following Yul-hee's revelations, Choi Min-hwan was accused of violating the Act on the Punishment of Procuring, etc. and sexual assault. In February, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station determined there was insufficient evidence regarding Choi Min-hwan's violation of the Act on the Punishment of Procuring and sexual assault allegations, resulting in a decision not to forward the case to prosecutors.
Choi Min-hwan issued a statement to fans regarding the allegations and expressed his grievances during a media interview, but public response was cold. Ultimately, Lee Hong-ki, who had previously defended Choi Min-hwan, announced during a fan meeting that FT Island would be active as a duo domestically. However, he noted, "I will reflect and prepare so that we can return as a trio in Korea someday as time goes by," leaving open the possibility of a return to activities.
In the meantime, news of Choi Min-hwan's return was first revealed earlier this month during a live broadcast celebrating Lee Hong-ki and Lee Jae-jin's 18th debut anniversary. Lee Hong-ki stated, "I don't know what will happen in August. I'm not sure how everyone feels, but in August, there will be new changes for us, and there will be familiar faces we haven't seen in a while. I'll let you know in advance about that," leading fans to speculate about member Choi Min-hwan's return.
While conducting the live broadcast, Lee Hong-ki said, "In the second half of the year, I really want to make music comfortably. Our plan for the second half is to return to our original state, so I also want to work hard and make music comfortably. I want to have fun and share memories with you all. I look forward to the second half concerts," he said.
Lee Jae-jin added, "And there will also be focused performances prepared. We have to put in a lot of effort to make it work, beautifully and enjoyably," while Lee Hong-ki expressed concern for Choi Min-hwan's absence by stating, "I wonder if it's appropriate for the two of us to celebrate an anniversary, but we can't do that yet. Everyone, please wait for that day to come again soon; a stable band needs to return."
As per Lee Hong-ki and Lee Jae-jin's remarks, Choi Min-hwan's return was confirmed for the August FT Island solo concert. FT Island will meet domestic fans for the first time in about a year since holding the 2024 FTISLAND LIVE 'PULSE' in June last year, showcasing their distinctive vocal talent and experienced stage presence.
It remains to be seen whether Choi Min-hwan, meeting fans again for the first time in about 10 months since last October, will address the controversy during the solo concert.
[Photo] OSEN DB, captured live footage
[OSEN]