At the same time, there is growing interest in the identity of the “shirt room” mentioned by Choi Minhwan while asking for a “lady.”
Previously, Choi Minhwan’s ex-wife and former LABOUM member Yulhee sparked controversy by releasing a recording in which Choi Minhwan appears to frequent entertainment venues and seek prostitution services. In the recording, Choi Minhwan can be heard repeatedly asking for “ma’am” from an employee at an entertainment venue. Her search for accommodation further fueled suspicions of prostitution.
On August 10, 2022 at 2 am, Choi Minhwan called the employee, listed as A, saying: “There is no hotel available, is there any place open now?“Even if A replied”At the moment it is not possible to book via the app, you will have to ask the hotel directly“, Choi Minhwan continued to ask, “Don’t know any place?He persistently asked for a motel, saying it was fine as long as it was accommodation.
In another case, Choi Minhwan asked A to “prepare two toothbrushes and two packs of ‘Condition’“. Some have speculated that “Condition,” a well-known brand of hangover relief, may be a euphemism for male contraceptives.
On October 25, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station announced that it had launched an investigation into Choi Minhwan’s alleged violation of the anti-prostitution law, based on a citizen’s complaint filed via the National Sinmungo platform. The complainant, a former fan who loved FT Island’s music, expressed shock upon hearing the news and called for a thorough investigation into Choi Minhwan and the alleged prostitution middleman.
The terms used in the recording also attracted attention. Choi Minhwan mentioned terms such as “shirt room” (where hostesses typically sit on the customer’s lap and put on a white shirt after taking off their shirt and underwear), “rotation” (a practice in entertainment venues in luxury where hostesses are rotated among customers) and “karaoke”. He also asked about “the price of the service” and whether “women could be chosen.”
In light of these exchanges, many are wondering whether Choi Minhwan will face punishment. Prostitution is a crime that carries penalties for both buyers and sellers. However, some legal experts believe it may be difficult to prove the allegations. Lawyer Moon Yoo-jin, speaking on SBS’s “News Briefing,” noted that although the recording suggests suspicions of prostitution, it remains to be seen whether a charge will be formally filed and prosecuted.
Attorney Moon also mentioned Yulhee’s allegations of sexual misconduct by Choi Minhwan, including her claim that “he touched her private parts in front of her in-laws“. Lawyer Moon said that even within marriage, rape and sexual violence are criminally punishable, suggesting that Choi Minhwan could be charged not only with illegal prostitution but also with forcible indecent act.
Source: Nate
