FT Island‘s Choi Min-hwan has pleaded not guilty to the sex trafficking allegations.

On the 18th, Choi Min-hwan said through a fan communication community, “Regardless of the agency, I’ll just say this. When you‘re part of a company or a group, I feel like there’s too much to protect rather than just my position.” He also said, “As the media reported, I‘ve never engaged in sex trafficking, and the lack of evidence means I’m not guilty. How can I prove that I didn‘t do it? That’s why I have nothing more to say.”

He said, “I went to the hotel and motel that was in the recording because I wanted to be alone at the time. It would be good if there was solid evidence, but I don‘t. I’m sorry.” He added, “I had no way to speak or make excuses. Just know that it‘s not true. I have no intention of hiding or running away. I’m truly sorry.”

A fan then commented, “What did you mean by asking me to prepare adult products? Also, don‘t you know how to make a reservation on your own? You say you didn’t engage in prostitution, but you can‘t say you didn’t go to the establishment, right?” When she wrote, Choi Min-hwan retorted, “I don‘t know if I should say this, but it’s been a long time since I was tied up. I don‘t need a condom.”


Last October, Choi Min-hwan’s ex-wife Yulhee revealed the reason for her divorce by exposing Choi Min-hwan‘s visits to prostitution establishments through her YouTube channel.

In the video, Yulhee said, “He touched my body in front of my family, or inserted money,”and it was before I knew about the establishment incident.” As evidence, Yulhee released a voice recording presumed to be Choi Min-hwan. In the recording file, a man presumed to be Choi Min-hwan can be heard saying, “Are you going somewhere to play? They said there are no girls there,”I just snuck out. He said, “Can you make a reservation for XX?” and caused a stir.

Accordingly, a complaint was filed with the National Petition Center regarding Choi Min-hwan’s violation of the Prostitution Punishment Act and charges of forced molestation, and the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul decided not to prosecute him, saying, “There is insufficient evidence to prove the charges.”

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com