According to the investigation report obtained by Sports Kyunghyang, Choi Minhwan was acquitted of charges related to violations of the Law on Punishment of Acts of Prostitution, etc. due to insufficient evidence.
Choi Minhwan was accused of contacting a person associated with an entertainment venue, identified as A, on July 9, 2022 at around 5 am in Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He allegedly inquired about locations where prostitution took place and paid an unidentified woman for sexual services.
The police investigation revealed that Choi Minhwan and A used terms such as “table” and “sir” during their telephone conversation. Based on the nature of the conversation and the operating practices of some establishments, the police concluded that Choi Minhwan probably asked A for information about entertainment establishments.
During his testimony, Choi Minhwan stated: “I inquired with A and frequented entertainment venues, but I never practiced prostitution, nor do I even remember having visited the venues mentioned.”
A also testified: “The conversation was about going to entertainment venues, not prostitution establishments.”
Police determined that the recorded conversation alone was not enough to prove the prostitution charges against Choi Minhwan. Furthermore, there was no additional evidence to refute the statements of Choi Minhwan and A. The police assessed the recorded dialogue as pertaining to entertainment venues rather than prostitution venues.
Choi Minhwan’s ex-wife, former LABOUM member Yulhee, who initially reported the prostitution allegations, refused to cooperate with the police investigation and did not provide the original recordings.
The police also decided not to forward the case regarding Choi Minhwan’s alleged sexual harassment of Yulhee due to insufficient evidence.
Yulhee refused to appear for questioning, citing concerns about the emotional impact on their children and saying she did not want criminal punishment or further investigation.
In her initial allegations on October 24, Yulhee posted audio recordings on her YouTube channel, alleging that Choi Minhwan’s frequent visits to entertainment venues were a major factor in their divorce.
The recordings included Choi Minhwan asking A about venues such as “shirts” and “karaoke bars,” inquiring about rates and availability of women, and asking A to book a specific motel.
Yulhee further stated, “Choi Minhwan would grope me or put money in my chest in front of our family. I didn’t understand this behavior at the time, but I later realized that it was a habitual form of drunken misconduct.”
The Seoul Gangnam Police Station launched an investigation into Choi Minhwan and A after a citizen filed a complaint via National Sinmungo (a public petition platform). On November 29, police concluded their investigation without filing charges against any party.
Following the controversy, Choi Minhwan resigned from appearances on ongoing variety shows and temporarily stopped his activities with FT Island.
After the police’s decision not to press charges, Choi Minhwan issued an apology on November 30, stating: “The situation has escalated and one-sided statements, falsehoods and distorted speculation are treated as fact. I sincerely apologize to the fans and my bandmates.”
On December 18, he addressed fans via the Weverse platform, stating: “I have never practiced prostitution. The hotels and motels mentioned in the recordings were places I visited alone at the time. I regret that there is no definitive evidence to prove my innocence and for that I am truly sorry.“
