B.I., rapper and leader of the South Korean boy band IKON, is leaving the group after admitting he had attempted to purchase illegal drugs.
"I am deeply sorry for stirring up trouble due to my inappropriate actions. It is true that I wanted to rely upon something I shouldn't have had any interest in while I was going through a rough and painful time, the 22-year-old K-pop star wrote in his Instagram post on June 12.
Nonetheless, he clarified that he "was too scared and worried" to purchase what is reported to be marijuana and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).
"I am so ashamed and apologetic to fans who were greatly disappointed and hurt because of my wrong words and actions. I intend to humbly self-reflect on my mistake and leave the team. Once again, I bow my head down and sincerely apologize to fans and the members. I apologize," he further remarked.
According to K-pop Herald, his agency YG Entertainment has sent an emailed statement saying, "We take the issue very seriously and decided that he leaves the band and we end his contract."
The news of B.I.'s attempted illegal drugs purchase was exclusively reported by Korean media outlet Dispatch, who said that the IKON leader did the said act back in 2016 via a messenger app.
The report further stated that the police did not summon nor investigate B.I. for the said matter.
Meanwhile, around 480,000 people have already signed a petition on Change.org, saying that B.I. should not be forced to quit IKON.
"Hanbin only mentioned he was thinking about drugs due to his pain, but NEVER took drugs due to being too scared," the petition read. The supporters also revealed that YG Entertainment has previously said that they order "drug tests every month or so from the USA and none of the IKON members, including [B.I.], tested positive."
B.I., together with other IKON members -- Jinhwan, Yunhyeong, Bobby, Donghyuk, Ju-ne, and Chanwoo -- debuted in 2015. They are most recognized for the hits "Love Scenario," "Goodbye Road," and "Killing Me" among others.
