”FTISLAND” to continue with Choi Min Hwan, who has been cleared of sex trafficking allegations... overseas, three-person group

FTISLAND' will be a two-person group in Korea and a three-person group overseas.

As a result of an interview with Herald POP on the 3rd, ‘FTISLAND’ will be active with two members, Lee Hong-gi and Lee Jae Jin, in Korea and three members overseas, including Choi Min Hwan.

Prior to this, Lee Hong-gi expressed his thoughts on this at the ‘HONGGI B-DAY PARTY “XXX”’ held on the 2nd of last month. Lee Hong-gi commented on his decision to work with two people in Korea and three people overseas "There are many people who are inevitably uncomfortable in Korea, and I think we have to respect that, even though it's probably a difference of opinion between each of us. I want to make them reflect more. And one day, I will make it possible for the three of us to do this in Korea."

He continued "We also prepared ourselves, even though we felt like we knew what you would say. The most important thing is that ‘FTISLAND’ needs a drummer more than anything else. If he had really done something wrong, he would have chosen another path without thinking, but since he didn't, we decided that we ‘need a drummer’ because different people see things from different perspectives. Therefore, we decided not to be discouraged and decided to protect ‘FTISLAND’ with the two of us."

Adding ‘’FTISLAND needs a good drummer. I'm very sorry for causing you so much unnecessary worry. The end of last year was a really big crisis, but thanks to you, we were able to overcome it. I won't talk about it any more. The rest is for you to decide. I'm really sorry. But I still want you to enjoy it with me. I will do my best." He expressed his apologies to the fans.

Choi Min-hwan of FTISLAND was involved in a sex trafficking scandal last October after his ex-wife Yulhee revealed the incident. At the time, his agency FNC Entertainment revealed, "After deep discussions on the future activities of FTISLAND, our company decided to continue with a two-person team (Lee Hong-gi and Lee Jae Jin) for a while."

Then, in December last year, the police judged that there was insufficient evidence against Choi Min Hwan's alleged violation of the Sex Trafficking Punishment Act and sexual harassment, and decided not to send him to prosecution. Choi Min Hwan said, "I sincerely apologise to my fans and the members. From now on, I will do my best to show you a more responsible and matured image."

Lee Hong-gi of FTISLAND uploaded a meaningful statement defending Choi Min Hwan and was criticised by both. He wrote via the Global Fan Platform, "It was a story about two people's personal lives, but it turned out like this. We have to admit what we did wrong, bow down and apologise. But we shouldn't believe everything so easily. I have to protect again. I have to endure. That's what we are. All I can do is move on even if I get hit by stones," he commented, causing a stir.

Lee Hong-gi and Lee Jae Jin of ‘FTISLAND’ will perform at the Cherry Blossom Music Festival at Jinhae Public Sports Ground on the 30th March.