FT Island drummer Choi Min-hwan has been acquitted of charges related to prostitution and sexual assault, and rumors of his domestic return in August have emerged.

On July 7, Lee Hong-gi and Lee Jae-jin held a live broadcast through the fan community platform Weverse to commemorate the 18th anniversary of FT Island's debut.

While communicating with fans, blowing out birthday candles, and enjoying food, Lee Hong-gi and Lee Jae-jin left significant remarks.

Firstly, Lee Hong-gi said, "We don’t know about August. I’m not sure about your feelings, but there will be new changes for us in August, and some familiar faces will appear after a long time. I wanted to let you know in advance." Fans speculate this refers to the return of member Choi Min-hwan.

While conducting the live broadcast, Lee Hong-gi remarked, "I really want to enjoy music comfortably in the second half of the year. Our plan for the second half is to return to the original way, so I want to work hard and enjoy music comfortably. I want to have fun with you, share memories, and I’m looking forward to the performances in the second half."

Lee Jae-jin also stated, "We have focused performances prepared, so we need to give it our all. Let’s do it cool and fun," to which Lee Hong-gi said, "I’m not sure if it’s right for us to celebrate the anniversary just the two of us yet, but we can’t do that for now. Everyone, let’s wait for that day to come again soon; a stable band needs to return," showing his regret for Choi Min-hwan’s absence.

Previously, Choi Min-hwan had suspended activities due to allegations made by his ex-wife, Yul-hee, in October last year. At that time, Yul-hee revealed through a YouTube channel that during their marriage, Choi Min-hwan frequented entertainment establishments and touched her inappropriately. She shocked many by saying that Choi Min-hwan had put money on her chest in front of their families and "touched my private parts in front of my mother and father and pulled on my chest."

Notably, recordings were released showing Choi Min-hwan making multiple calls to a man believed to be an acquaintance from an establishment in the early morning, seeking "girls." The spread of prostitution allegations led Choi Min-hwan to announce a suspension of all activities related to FT Island and all media engagements.

Afterward, Choi Min-hwan was reported for charges of prostitution, but in February, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul determined through insufficient evidence that he was not guilty regarding the violation of the Prostitution Punishment Act and sexual assault charges, thus concluding the case without prosecution.

In this context, Choi Min-hwan asserted his innocence and issued a statement on the fan community platform and opened up through media interviews, but public sentiment remained cold. Even Lee Hong-gi, who had defended Choi Min-hwan, remarked at a fan meeting in March, "We will operate as a duo in Korea and as a trio overseas. As time passes, we hope to return as a trio in Korea as well, reflecting and preparing more diligently."

As FT Island has been active as a duo in Korea for about three months, attention is focused on whether Choi Min-hwan will return domestically in August.

[Photo] OSEN DB

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