In the span of the past month, a surge of online users has emerged with accusations leveled against Park Jun Hwan, alleging that during his school days, he indulged in inappropriate conduct and harbored misogynistic sentiments. The allegations encompass his dissemination of disparaging remarks about women, his maintenance of dubious relationships, and even his involvement in the creation of tampered images aimed at female classmates. Screenshots and messages have been published as concrete evidence to bolster these assertions. In response, Starship Entertainment has vehemently denied the claims, asserting that these rumors are utterly baseless. However, as the controversy escalated, it seemed that a decision was ultimately reached to exclude Park Jun Hwan from the debut lineup of Starship's new boy group.
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.
