Ex-FT Island singer Choi Jong-hoon attempts comeback after group sexual assault scandal

In a message to his followers, Choi said: “It’s been about 5 years since I greeted you all…I’m excited to connect through HUNIYA. I want to show you everything about me, such as what I want to do from now on and my personal life.”

Singer Choi Jong-hoon. Photo from HUNIYA on Fanicon

Fanicon, an online platform that charges a 5,000 KRW (approximately $4) subscription fee, allows fans to interact with celebrities. Choi’s decision to join Fanicon has generated mixed reactions, with many believing that he should not return to the public eye following the scandal.

Choi was released on parole in November 2021. He was arrested in 2019 on allegations of secretly filming and sexually assaulting women. Post-release, he faces a five-year restriction from working with minors.

His career took a downturn in 2019 following revelations about his participation in a chat group with other celebrities, including singers Jung Joon-young and Seungri. This chat group was infamous for sharing illicit sexual content, including non-consensually taken photos and videos.

That year, seven women accused Choi and others in the group of rape. He received a prison sentence of two years and six months, while Jung Joon-young faced a longer sentence of five years.