Ravi Leaves VIXX Amid Shocking 2-Year Prison Sentence for Military Service Evasion
This afternoon, K-pop fans were stunned by the sudden announcement that Ravi had officially withdrawn from the popular group VIXX. This news comes in the middle of Ravi's ongoing trial for charges of evading military service.
Ravi Departs from VIXX
Jellyfish Entertainment, the agency representing VIXX, announced Ravi's departure from the group on VIXX's fancafe. After a series of discussions with the company, Ravi decided to leave the group, causing concern among the fans who support VIXX.
"Hello. This is Jellyfish Entertainment.
We sincerely thank the fans who support VIXX, and we inform you of member Ravi's departure from VIXX.
After careful discussion between Ravi and the agency, it was decided that he will leave the team as of today.
We deeply apologize for causing trouble to the fans who support VIXX."
Also Read: VIXX Ravi Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison
Facing the Charges
Currently, Ravi is facing charges and is undergoing investigation and trial for charges regarding his military service evasion. Initially, he was suspected to be the K-Pop idol who used a broker, known as Mr. Koo, to evade his mandatory military service by falsifying health records. And today, the prosecution has demanded a two-year prison sentence for Ravi's crimes.
In January, it can be remembered that The Korea Times released a report stating that Ravi had already been named by prosecutors as on the possible clients of Mr. Koo, who is also indicted for helping men receive exemptions from South Korea's compulsory military service.
However, the idol had already announced his enlistment as a social service worker due to unspecified "health reasons" in October 2022.
Admitting to the Charges
As reported by Newsis on March 6, Ravi admitted to violating South Korea's Military Service Act at the Seoul Southern District Court. Chief judge Kim Ji-sook reportedly dismissed an arrest warrant for the idol that was issued on March 2, taking into account his cooperation in the investigation and low likelihood of fleeing the country.
At least 130 individuals, including those in the professional sports and entertainment industries, are currently being investigated with regards to the ongoing case involving Mr. Koo.
Prosecutors Seek Two-Year Jail Term
On April 11, the initial trial took place at the Seoul Southern District Court, where nine individuals, including Ravi, faced charges for breaching the Military Service Act. Prosecutors requested that the court impose a two-year prison sentence on Ravi for dodging his military service by feigning epilepsy.
Last month, Ravi was indicted without detention for attempting to obtain a military service exemption by providing a fraudulent medical diagnosis to the Military Manpower Administration. He confessed to all the charges, admitting that he made a regrettable decision and will carry a remorseful heart for the rest of his life.
Uncertainty Surrounds VIXX and Ravi's Future
As Ravi leaves VIXX, concerns arise about the group's future and of Ravi's career in the entertainment world. With the legal proceedings ongoing, fans could do nothing but only speculate as to what'll happen to their favorite K-pop idols.
