FTISLAND member Choi Min Hwan has been cleared of allegations of prostitution and sexual assault against his ex-wife, Yulhee. The Seoul Gangnam Police announced on November 29 that the investigations into Choi for violating the Prostitution Punishment Act and allegations of sexual assault concluded with a decision not to forward the case to prosecutors due to insufficient evidence.

The allegations came to light after Yulhee shared a YouTube video on October 24, releasing a recorded phone call between Choi and an acquaintance from July–August 2022. The recording included controversial remarks such as, “Ask if there’s a choice of hostesses,” and “Do you know any good hotels?” Yulhee also claimed Choi engaged in unwanted physical contact, including placing money in her clothing and inappropriate touching in the presence of family members.

Following these allegations, Choi issued a public apology and announced a temporary halt to his activities. Soon after, he officially withdrew from FTISLAND, citing the controversy as a factor in his decision. KBS also took measures to protect his children, removing Choi's segments from The Return of Superman and deleting related content from their YouTube channel.

Choi and Yulhee, who married in 2018, have three children—a son and twin daughters. However, the couple divorced in December 2022 after five years of marriage, with Choi retaining custody of their children.

Choi’s agency expressed relief over the police's conclusion, emphasizing that the lack of evidence supports his claims of innocence. However, the controversy has left an indelible mark on his public image, raising questions about the challenges celebrities face when embroiled in personal disputes that become highly publicized.

As the dust settles on the legal proceedings, the focus now shifts to Choi's future and whether he will make a return to the entertainment industry. His case has ignited broader discussions about the complexities of public figures managing private turmoil under intense public scrutiny.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com