In the wake of shocking revelations from his bandmate Choi Minhwan's ex-wife Yulhee, FTISLAND's Lee Hongki chose to stand by his fellow musician, showing unwavering support despite a whirlwind of criticism from K-Pop fans. Yulhee's explosive YouTube video accused Choi of engaging in prostitution during their marriage, accompanied by recorded phone calls that stirred fierce public scrutiny.

As Lee Hongki came forward to defend Choi Minhwan, the band made the tough decision to continue their activities as a two-person group, with a session drummer filling in for Choi during performances. On November 2, 2024, FTISLAND took the stage at the highly anticipated “2024 Grand Mint Festival” in Seoul, managing to captivate audiences as a duo.

While performing, Lee Hongki appeared to indirectly reference the ongoing scandals that have rocked their world. Although he refrained from explicitly mentioning the controversies, fans speculated that his heartfelt remarks were a veiled response to the backlash they’ve been facing.

“I was f*cking depressed… I thought the world was out to f*cking get me for no reason. But whatever, I’m just going to keep making music until the day I die,” he declared, eliciting a mix of gratitude and concern from his devoted fanbase.

Reactions to Lee Hongki’s impassioned speech were deeply polarized. Many fans expressed their unwavering support, sharing messages of encouragement and love. "Oppa, we felt so content and healed thanks to you. We’re worried about your voice..." one fan remarked, while another added, "You should keep singing! Please keep blessing us with that irreplaceable voice of yours. I am always and forever a Primadonna."

Conversely, skepticism bubbled among critics. Comments ranged from disbelief to concern about his mental state, with some questioning why he chose to address such sensitive issues at a music festival, arguing, "It's not like the whole audience is his fandom."

Meanwhile, Choi Minhwan's situation has taken a more serious turn. Following the news of his hiatus, "The Return of Superman" program promptly removed all episodes featuring him and his children, effectively distancing itself from the lingering scandal.

As the world watches, both Lee Hongki and Choi Minhwan navigate their respective challenges in the ever-tumultuous K-Pop landscape, leaving fans eager for updates and hoping for brighter days ahead for FTISLAND. Will this scandal ultimately bring them closer together or drive them apart? Stay tuned as this dramatic story unfolds!