BTOB's leader, Seo Eunkwang, has spoken up in public for the first time after his former bandmate Ilhoon dealt with marijuana controversy and left the group.
On Jan. 1, BTOB's Eunkwang took to his personal Instagram account to post a sweet message to fans. Along with a picture of a night sky, the idol wrote in the caption:
"Melody! It's been tough. I'm unsure if I should be speaking up even though I have a lot to say...but thank you for always being by our sides and trusting us. Also, I love you. As a leader, I will be stronger and do my best sincerely to let Melody be full of smiles only in the future. With all my heart, I love you."
This is the first time a BTOB member talked to fans after Jung Ilhoon was accused of purchasing and using marijuana last December 2020. According to an exclusive report from Channel A via Sports Donga issued on Dec. 21 of the said year, Ilhoon was suspected of habitual drug usage, and his case was sent to prosecution in July last year.
RELATED: BTOB Ilhoon under Investigation for Marijuana Purchase and Usage
The report then revealed that police have confirmed through testimonies that BTOB's Ilhoon utilized marijuana many times with his comrades, particularly from four to five years and as recent as last year. It was also stated that traces of drugs were discovered from a sample of his hair during a drug test.
Reports further disclosed that Jung Ilhoon spent approximately 100 million KRW in cash to purchase marijuana. The money was said to be given to "A," who then exchanged it into cryptocurrency, bought, and sent the substance to the idol.
ALSO READ: BTOB Jung Ilhoon Revealed to Have Spent Over $90K on Marijuana
Ten days after, Cube Entertainment released an official notice stating that after careful discussion, they respected Ilhoon's decision to leave the group as he doesn't want to cause harm to the other members after his marijuana controversy. Hence, BTOB will continue to promote as a six-member band in the future.
RELATED: Jung Il-hoon Leaves BTOB Following Marijuana Controversy
Jung Ilhoon was part of BTOB since 2012 when the male group debuted that year with the songs "Insane" and "Imagine." He was the main rapper of the band. At present, he is serving as an active-duty soldier. He started carrying out his military service on May 28, 2020, which many people find as his escape from the controversy he knew would break out any time. Ilhoon is the last eligible member to enlist, however, after his military discharge, he won't be reuniting with his fellow BTOB members.
As of September 2020, BTOB has four active members: Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, and Peniel. Sungjae and Hyunsik are inactive due to military service. The active four artists formed the group's second sub-unit, called BTOB 4U. The unit made its debut in November 2020 with the extended play titled "Inside."
BTOB's last release that features all seven members is their eleventh mini-album, "This Is Us," which was launched in June 2018. The band was unable to promote with all seven members in the following years as members enlisted in the military one by one, starting with Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, Hyunsik, Sungjae, and the last one was Ilhoon.
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
