Choi Min Hwan has once again denied allegations of soliciting prostitution.

On December 18, Choi Min Hwan addressed the issue on the fan communication platform Weverse, saying, "To my precious fans, 'Pri (Primadonna, F.T. Island's fandom name), whom I love most in the world, I want to write a message without any connection to my agency." He began by stating, "When you're part of a company or a group, you realize there are so many things you have to protect beyond your own stance."

He continued, "I have never engaged in prostitution as reported by the media. I was cleared of charges due to insufficient evidence. How do you prove something you didn't do? That’s why I had nothing more to say, and it’s been incredibly frustrating."

Choi Min Hwan further explained, "The mention of hotels and motels in the recording was because I wanted to be alone at the time. I know it’s hard to understand if I ask people to believe me, but that’s the truth. I wish there were clear evidence to prove it, but since there isn’t, I’m sorry. I had no way to explain or defend myself."

He concluded with a plea, "I just hope people can understand that I really didn’t do it. I’m not trying to hide or run away. I’m genuinely sorry."

Choi Min Hwan also responded to fan questions regarding the controversial audio recordings. When one fan asked, "What does it mean to prepare two of XX and YY?" and "Can’t you book a hotel or motel by yourself?" along with, "Are you still unable to say you didn’t go to an establishment (referring to an adult entertainment venue)?" Choi Min Hwan replied, "I don’t know what XX and YY are supposed to mean, but could it be conditioner and toothbrush? It might sound silly, but I got 'a vas clip' a long time ago, so I don’t need condoms. I always ask for a toothbrush for cleanliness no matter where I go, so I don’t understand why there’s so much suspicion around it."

These statements come after his ex-wife, Yulhee made shocking allegations on her YouTube channel. Yulhee claimed that Choi Min Hwan frequented entertainment establishments during their marriage and that this behavior was a major factor in their divorce. She even released audio recordings that appeared to hint at solicitation-related activity, which caused a stir online.

In the recordings, Choi Min Hwan was allegedly heard saying to another man, "They said there are no girls here today," and "Is there a hotel available right now? A motel is fine too." He was also reportedly heard saying, "I snuck out, so please book it for me," and asking, "If we go to a ‘shirt (room)’ place, there won’t be any girls, right?" The term "shirt (room)" is a slang term in South Korea referring to entertainment venues where female employees change into shirts in front of customers. He also allegedly requested, "Prepare two toothbrushes and two 'conditioners'." The term "conditioner" is speculated to be a euphemism for male contraceptives (condoms), which further fueled public speculation and outrage.

Adding to the controversy, Yulhee also accused Choi Min Hwan of inappropriate behavior in front of their family. She claimed, "He touched my body in front of my family, and there was even a time when he drunkenly stuck money into my chest."

Following these allegations, a whistleblower submitted a report to Korea's national civil petition platform, calling for an investigation into Choi Min Hwan. The complaint claimed that "touching his wife Yulhee's chest and private areas in front of family members does not align with the right to sexual autonomy and could constitute the crime of forcible molestation." As a result, the police launched an investigation, but they ultimately decided not to pursue charges.

On November 29, Choi Min Hwan addressed the controversy, stating, "The investigation took longer than expected to ensure it was conducted thoroughly. While the other party’s one-sided claims, false allegations, and numerous distorted speculations spread as if they were the truth, I thought that releasing a statement without any confirmed results would only worsen the situation. Above all, for the sake of my three children, I believed it was important to resolve things properly."

He also issued an apology, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the fans and my bandmates. I’m deeply sorry for causing them emotional pain and putting them through difficult times because of me. I deeply regret my actions and am genuinely reflecting on my mistakes. Moving forward, I promise to act with greater responsibility and maturity. I will do my best to show a better version of myself."

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