On June 2, Starship Entertainment announced that Park Jun Hwan will no longer debut with the upcoming boy group IDID following his alleged "misogynistic behavior" controversy.
Controversy background info
Over the past month, multiple online users have come forward with allegations against Park Jun Hwan, claiming that he exhibited inappropriate behavior and misogynistic attitudes during his time in school. The accusations include sharing disrespectful remarks about women, maintaining questionable relationships, and even participating in the creation of doctored images targeting female classmates. Screenshots and messages have been posted as evidence to support these claims. Starship has denied the claims, stating that these rumors are completely unfounded.
As the controversy grew however, it appears that the decision was made for Park Jun Hwan not to debut in Starship's new boy group.
Starship's Statement
Starship Entertainment released a statement as follows:
"Hello. This is Starship Entertainment.
We would like to inform you regarding Park Jun Hwan's departure from IDID.
First, the rumors related to Park Jun Hwan that are spreading online are completely unfounded. We have clearly confirmed through his full academic records and statements from school officials that Park Jun Hwan was a diligent and responsible student.
Additionally, we have confirmed activities by accounts posing as alumni in anonymous open chat rooms and communities, and we have secured objective evidence to determine that this was impersonation.
However, unfounded rumors, malicious slander, and continuous malicious comments have caused Park Jun Hwan, a minor, to suffer unbearable mental distress, and the situation has recently worsened to the point where it severely interferes with his daily life.
In response, we have been trying to help with his psychological recovery through consultation with professional medical staff. However, as he seriously conveyed his intention to step down from team activities, respecting his wishes, we have decided to allow him enough time to rest.
Our company will continue to provide unwavering support so that Park Jun Hwan can recover his health through sufficient rest and restart his journey towards new dreams, but no longer as an IDID member.
Meanwhile, regarding the spread of malicious rumors, false information, and sexually suggestive remarks targeting minors, we plan to take legal action based on Article 44-7, Paragraph 1, Subparagraphs 1 and 2, and Article 70 and 74 of the "Act on Promotion of Information and Communication Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc." and the "Act on the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Exploitation." Online sexual harassment and defamation against minors are clear crimes, and we will never show leniency.
We sincerely apologize for causing concern to our fans, and we promise to do our best to protect the rights and honor of our artists.
Although he won't be able to debut,
we ask for your understanding regarding Park Jun Hwan's decision
and for your continued warm interest and support."
Meanwhile, IDID is now a 7-member group consisting of members Kim Min Jae, Jang Yong Hoon, Baek Jun Hyuk, Park Won Bin, Chu Yoo Chan, Jung Se Min, and Park Sung Hyun, set to officially debut in the industry in the second half of this year.
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