“Group sexual assault” Choi Jong-hoon (formerFTISLAND) resumes activities in Japan? Catch up on what's going on after being released from prison

Choi Jung-hoon (formerly of FTISLAND), who was jailed for mass sexual assault, is causing a stir with news that he has launched a fan community in Japan.

Choi, formerly of the idol group FTISLAND, recently opened a channel on the Japanese fan community platform Fanicon.

On this channel, Choi said, "I greet you all for the first time in five years," and added, "I received strength from each and every one of your messages, and I am able to show you my cheerful appearance like this. Thank you so much."

He continued, "I look forward to interacting with you all. I will do my best to create a bright future with you all, so please continue to support me as a supporter."

The fan community that Choi has joined is a paid platform for live broadcasting and content release, and the subscription fee is reportedly 500 yen. A PR post announcing such content was also posted on the SNS, presumed to be Choi's private account. While some criticized this as an unconvincing start to a sex offender's activities, some overseas fans took a shoulder and a debate ensued.

Choi Jung-hoon debuted and performed as FTISLAND in 2007, but was involved in the club Burning Sun Gate and left the group in 2019 after a wave of sexual assault allegations spread. He and his best friend, singer Jung Joon Young Chung, were detained for allegedly sexually assaulting a group of women and illegally photographing and disseminating the photos, and spent two years and six months in jail, which he completed in November 2021.

After that, he went to church with his mother, and some media reported that he was living a life of faith. It remains to be seen whether Choi will use this as an opportunity to resume full-fledged activities.