Ilhoon leaves BTOB due to marijuana scandal

Singer Jung Ilhoon, 26, has left K-pop boy band BTOB after being caught using marijuana by the police.

Cube Entertainment made the announcement today (Dec. 31), saying, “we bow our heads in apology for causing concern due to an issue involving our agency artist, Jung Ilhoon.”

“Jung Ilhoon is deeply reflecting on his actions of breaking the trust of many fans and causing them to feel disappointment. Respecting his personal opinion to no longer cause harm to the group, it was decided that Jung Ilhoon will withdraw from the group as of today,” said the agency, SBS News reported.

Cube Entertainment added, “We feel strong responsibility for this recent incident, and our agency will do our duty in order for him to faithfully participate in the upcoming investigation.”

The agency said BTOB will continue with the remaining six members: Eunkwang, Changsub, Minhyuk, Sungjae, Hyunsik and Peniel.

Ilhoon was investigated by the police after determining that he used marijuana several times in a span of four to five years until last year. His case was handed by the police to the prosecution last July and recommended that he and his accomplices be charged with violating Korea’s Narcotics Control Act.

To avoid detection, Ilhoon allegedly converted 100 million won (about $90,340 or P4.34 million) in cash to cryptocurrency to buy marijuana. He enlisted in the military on May 28 this year and is serving as a public service worker.

Korean fans on the BTOB gallery on the fan community website DC Inside issued an official position calling for his immediate removal from the group.

They said that when Ilhoon announced his enlistment on Instagram on May 27, he did not say anything about the police investigation on his marijuana use.

“This is a deceptive treatment for the fans who have been supporting them since their debut in 2012, and for any reason, it is completely unacceptable,” they said and strongly urged Cube Entertainment to remove him from BTOB.

They warned that if Ilhoon is not removed from BTOB, they will not buy or accept BTOB’s music in the future.