On October 24, Yulhee posted a 37-minute video on her channel revealing details about her married life with Choi Min-hwan.
Yulhee stated, “There was a serious accident about a year before our divorce. That moment completely changed our marriage.” He continued, “I was fine with the challenges of childcare and our constant struggles. I also enjoyed living with extended family. However, after that incident, I could no longer bear to stay in that house. Even facing family members has become difficult.”
Furthermore, Yulhee revealed, “He (Choi Min-hwan) would touch my body in front of family members and put money here (in my chest).” He elaborated, “When we played Go-Stop as a family, he would fold the money and stick it in the chest of my nightwear when others weren’t looking. I later realized that such drunken behaviors were habits (arising from frequenting these adult entertainment venues).” He added, “The pieces of the puzzle started to fit together, in the way he touched private areas and grabbed my chest even in front of his parents.”
Yulhee also released recorded phone conversations. In multiple recordings from July and August 2022, Choi Min-hwan can be heard talking to a male individual, saying suspicious things such as “I went out secretly, please book at XX” AND “I heard XX doesn’t have any girlfriends.”
During the divorce proceedings, when Yulhee asked for custody, Choi Min-hwan allegedly offered 50 million won (about $36,000) in compensation money and 2 million won in monthly child support for their three children. Yulhee explained her decision to give up custody: “Although I despise his behavior towards me, he did nothing wrong as a father towards my children” AND “The children have a home, an extended family and are happy in this environment.”
Although Choi Min-hwan’s agency has announced the suspension of his television activities, he is expected to continue with performances.
Furthermore, it was confirmed that a police investigation request was filed through the e-People Petition website against Choi Min-hwan and Facilitator A for violating the Special Law on Sex Trade. The Seoul Gangnam Police Station is preparing to launch an investigation into the case.
Born in 1992, Choi Min-hwan made his debut as FT ISLAND’s drummer in 2007 at just 15 years old.
In 2017, while both were active idols, Choi and Yulhee confirmed their relationship, after which Yulhee left her group.
Later, in 2018, Choi Min-hwan announced both Yulhee’s pregnancy and their marriage at the same time. At the time, he stated, “From the announcement of our public relationship last year to the sudden announcement of marriage earlier this year, I’m sure many of you were surprised,” AND “I wanted to first share important events in my life with our Primadonna (fandom) who has always supported us and shown great affection for FTISLAND.”
He continued, “I’m going to be a father soon. Even though I’m still very young and far from ready to become a father, I’m working hard to become a good dad so they won’t be ashamed of me.””
At the time, Yulhee was only 20 years old, making her the youngest idol to get married. She later gave birth to son Choi Jae-yul, followed by twin daughters Choi A-yoon and Choi A-rin in 2020.
However, they announced their divorce in December 2023. Yulhee stated that she transferred custody to Choi Min-hwan for the stability of the children and for financial reasons, but retained unrestricted visitation rights by mutual agreement.
After the divorce, Choi Min-hwan appeared “The Return of Superman” while Yulhee appeared on “All alone” share your life after divorce. Recently “All alone”, Yulhee expressed her difficulties with snide comments calling her out “irresponsible.” This apparently prompted her to reveal the truth about their divorce through her October 24 video, which changed public opinion.
Meanwhile, FT ISLAND singer Lee Hong-ki appeared troubled by his bandmate’s controversy. He wrote a significant message: “This was their private matter which has now become public. If mistakes have been made, they must be acknowledged and apologized with humility.” He also added, “However, we should not be too hasty to believe everything. I must protect and endure: this is who we are. All I can do is keep going as I get hit by rocks along the way.”
Source: Daum
