On October 25, an online community post titled “Choi Min-hwan’s Messages to Fans During the Hot Sun Scandal” began circulating.
According to the post, Choi Min-hwan reassured fans by saying: “It’s not something to worry about” “It’s nothing serious, but the articles are sensational, it bothered me too,” “I’ve never been to Burning Sun or places like that, so it’s upsetting to see my name associated with it,” AND “There’s no need to exaggerate, so don’t worry everyone.”
A fan who received this message added, “I’m really sorry that I was the first to send you a cautious message in the fan group when the incident broke out.” The exact timing of Choi Min-hwan’s messages remains unclear.
He had previously been embroiled in controversy over allegations of “address fraud” for lending his home address to Choi Jong-hoon, who retired from the entertainment industry following the Burning Sun scandal and rape incidents of group. According to reports, Choi Jong-hoon used Choi Min-hwan’s address for about a year in 2018, but it was revealed that he never lived there, which raised concerns.
A close associate of Choi Min-hwan stated: “It’s true that he lent the address, but we didn’t think it would be a problem” AND “I think Choi Jong-hoon left about a year later, so Choi Min-hwan probably forgot about it.”
Meanwhile, Yulhee revealed audio recordings containing allegations of Choi Min-hwan’s involvement in prostitution on her YouTube channel on October 24. The recordings included Choi Min-hwan’s voice asking a man, “Are there any women?”
Choi Min-hwan’s agency, FNC Entertainment, expressed: “We feel responsible for having disappointed the public and viewers. We intend to suspend all media activities, including shows with our children,” adding, “We apologize for causing distress and concern to many.”
Source: Nate