Following BTOB members Changsub and Peniel's OT7 controversy in the group's recent online concert, leader Eukwang released a statement concerning the situation. Keep on reading to learn more.
What is the OT7 controversy?
BTOB recently held their first online concert, "2021 BTOB 4U ONLINE CONCERT [INSIDE]," on Saturday, Jan. 23. Throughout the show, member Lee Changsub was often seen holding up seven fingers, referencing the group's original seven-member line-up. In the concert, Changsub is also seen holding up seven figures while asking the camera, "Are you watching?" to which fans assumed he was referencing the other three BTOB members who were not present at the time.
Eunkwang was also seen crying during the concert, and he tearfully announced that "BTOB is forever." At the end of the concert, BTOB posed for a group photo, and both Changsub and Peniel are seen holding up seven figures to reference their original lineup.
RELATED: BTOB Changsub & Peniel Criticized for Showing Support for OT7 in Recent Online Concert
So, what's the problem with OT7 BTOB?
BTOB originally debuted with seven members but are active as four now. The active four members Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Lee Changsub, and Peniel, are currently promoting as a sub-unit, BTOB 4U.
Currently, the group is six members, with Yook Sungjae and Im Hyunsik, who are partaking in their mandatory military service.
The seventh member, who left the group back in Dec. 2020, is Jung Ilhoon. The idol withdrew from the group after he was found habitually smoking cannabis, also known as marijuana. Ilhoon was discovered after the police arrested a group of people trading virtual currency for the drug. One person confessed that Ilhoon had taken part in the activity during the investigation. Traces of the drug were found through a hair sample drug test, leading to investigations.
It was revealed that the idol spent $90 thousand USD on marijuana from 2016 to 2019.
After news reports concerning his drug habit went viral, CUBE Entertainment announced that he withdrew from BTOB.
RELATED: BTOB Jung Ilhoon Revealed to Have Spent over $90K on Marijuana
Seo Eunkwang's Statement
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Seo Eunkwang released a statement concerning the controversy on his Instagram. In his post, he apologized for causing harm by their actions at their recent concert, especially since the controversy was still fresh for Melodies (BTOB's fandom). He also stated that he takes full responsibility for what happened and that he will do his best to take care of BTOB. He also promised to work hard until the six of them are reunited in Nov. 201 and hopes that the fans and BTOB can find strength in one another.
His whole statement reads:
"Hello! The controversy happened just recently, and yet here we are, being the root of your pain again. As the group's leader and as Seo Eunkwang, I have chosen to come forward and share some words with everyone here. To start, I would like to say sorry to those who were hurt by our actions at the recent online concert. I want to say that I am genuinely apologetic from the bottom of my heart. I know that your previous pain has not yet healed, and with that hurt, you were all trying to start fresh by watching our concert, and because I am aware of that, I feel even more apologetic.
I had thought that if I kept smiling and trying my best, this would blow over, and it would all be alright one day, to be honest with you all. However, as soon as the concert was revealed, I felt a flood of emotions and has so many thoughts. I shed my tears and stood strong as I stated, 'BTOB is forever.' I will take responsibility for my actions. I will take care of BTOB. I will do all I can and sing my hardest until the six of us are reunited in Nov. and until we can meet once again with smiles on our faces. I truly hope that we can be a source of strength for one another. You are always like that, Melodies. I am extremely thankful for you guys, from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys."
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
