Following his controversial comments to idol groups EXO, Red Velvet and more, this male idol made a return to social media.
Keep on reading to know who he is.
Former VIXX Hongbin After Controversy: Where Is He Now?
Hongbin, a former VIXX member, who was embroiled in various controversies, is belatedly known to have recently been discharged from the military.
According to Hongbin's personal fan cafe "Bean Field," the male idol was discharged from the military on January 4, after his last vacation leave.
In particular, the entire military is required to be discharged without returning to the unit when using a personal vacation to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection disease (COVID-19), which is the case for Hongbin as well.
ALSO READ: Where Is VIXX Now? Find Out About the Members' Activities After Their Last Group Comeback in 2019
Since then, Hongbin, who had been spurring his return to the internet also opened his new Instagram account, conducted a live on Twitter and returned to his Twitch broadcast – declaring career as a full-time streamer.
During his first Twitch broadcast since military discharge, the former VIXX member appeared with an awkward smile at the beginning, expressing nervousness. However, his expression immediately changed and showed delight after seeing a lot of fans sincerely welcome his return.
Why Did Hongbin Leave VIXX? Here's What We Know
Lee Hongbin first rose to popularity as a VIXX member who debuted in 2012 under Jellyfish Entertainment. The group is known for their hit tracks, "Voodoo Doll," "Chained Up" and more, particularly for their unconventional concepts each comeback.
In 2014, he started his career as an actor and became even more popular following notable works such as "Glorious Day" and "Moorim School." In 2019, he started his career as a streamer but just a year later, he caused controversy that "forced" him to leave VIXX.
The controversy sparked on March 1, 2020, when Hongbin carelessly disparaged other idol groups, including SHINee, INFINITE, EXO and Red Velvet while he was drunk.
While listening to SHINee's "Everybody," he criticized the music and described it as: "It sucks."
He also compared VIXX (vampires) to EXO (wolves), saying that no one can keep up with them. He also implied that while EXO learned everything through SM, VIXX produced everything themselves.
While listening to a Red Velvet remix, Hongbin showed an unfavorable reaction and defined the group's sound as "too idol-like" with "strong colors" calling their aim to appeal to the mainstream as a "failure."
Lastly, the male idol humiliated the choreographer for INFINITE's "Be Mine," highlighting that he would have beaten them for the routine on a certain cool part he pointed out.
Soon after, Ravi and Leo apologized on his behalf, telling fans not to worry. Being criticized by K-pop fans at home and abroad, Hongbin tried to apologize with another broadcast, but he created more mess after saying "members told him to leave the group."
More fans then started urging him to leave VIXX.
About five months after the controversy, Jellyfish Entertainment announced Hongbin's contract termination on August 7, 2020.
While it was initially believed that the members and critics are reasons Hongbin decided to leave VIXX, the agency implied that the idol left on his own accord, and the members' respected his decision.
READ MORE: VIXX Hongbin’s Agency Releases Apology Statement
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson
