I have been into k-pop for a couple of years since 2015 but I have to admit that 2017 was a terrible year for k-pop because there were a lot of scandals and also controversies.
Here’s the timeline of this awful 2017 for K-pop.
BIGBANG’s T.O.P’s marijuana controversy
The final trial for T.O.P’s marijuana case took place on July 20, and the court has reportedly handed down its sentence to the BIGBANG rapper.
According to a new report from Korean media outlet Star News, T.O.P has received 2 years of probation with a suspended 10-month prison sentence (meaning T.O.P will go to prison for 10 months if he breaks his probation during the next 2 years), and a fee of 12,000 won.
The report states that the court came to the decision after taking into account that T.O.P “acknowledged all of the charges made against him and has been found guilty,” as well as taking into consideration that the rapper is “sincerely self-reflecting” and that he “doesn’t have any previous criminal offenses.”
In terms of how this affects T.O.P’s military enlistment, as the sentence is less than 18 months (whereby he would’ve been forcibly retired from his service and be given a special status), it is reported that T.O.P will now be re-evaluated whether he is able to continue his current role as a conscripted police officer or if he will be required to serve out his remaining military service in a new role.
Kim Woo Bin’s cancer diagnosis
On May 24, Kim Woo Bin’s label Sidus HQ released an official statement about the actor after his visit to the doctor. The actor has been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, a type of head/neck/ear cancer, and will be focusing on treatment and recovery for the time being.
“Hello, this is sidus HQ. This is a statement about Kim Woo Bin’s health issues. We took to this statement to reveal Kim Woo Bin’s condition personally, knowing that many will worry and show concern.
While carrying out his various schedules, Kim Woo Bin felt abnormalities in his body and visited a hospital, being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. Fortunately, it is still in its early stages, so he has begun receiving drug treatment and radiation therapy. He plans on focusing on his treatment for now before greeting you with a recovered, healthy image, so please wish for his speedy convalescence.
We are currently in the stages of adjusting his previously made schedules. We ask for your numerous cheers and encouragements. Thank you.”
JYJ’s Yoochun’s sexual assault allegations
After weeks of investigations, Police have revealed that JYJ’s Yoochun will be acquitted of the four sexual assault charges that were made against him.
According to reports, the Seoul Gangnam police released a statement on July 11 stating that despite DNA evidence of sexual relations between Yoochun and the first alleged victim, there was not enough evidence to prove that coercion or violence was involved, and as such, the police have acquitted the singer.
“As it is difficult to prove the use of force, the charges of sexual assault are not valid. He will be acquitted.”
While the investigation on the sexual assault charges have concluded, and the results will be forwarded to the prosecution by the end of this week or early next week, investigations into whether exchanges of money and blackmail were involved in the saga, false accusations by the alleged victims, and possible solicitation of prostitution by Yoochun is still ongoing.
SHINee’s Onew’s sexual harassment allegations
Four months after being accused of sexual harassment (before the charges were dropped), SHINee’s Onew has now shared an apology for the controversy.
In a new handwritten letter posted up on SHINee’s website on December 4, Onew apologizes to all his fans, his parents, and company for all that has happened in the past few months before reaffirming his intention to keep on reflecting and improving himself from henceforth.
Here’s a translation of Onew’s apology:
“Hello. This is Onew.
I am sincerely sorry for disappointing my supportive and loving fans with the bad news. While I have been on hiatus from activities for four months, I have been reflecting deeply on how much I must have disappointed all of you fans who have loved my lacking self, and I resented and blamed myself.
I worried for a long time about how to apologize and what words I should use. I felt so sorry that I was cautious even about writing anything, so I’m only finally posting this now, even though it’s so late.
The more love and attention I received, the more responsibly I should have acted in my private life as well, and so I am so sorry to have caused disappointment.
I want to say through this letter that I’m truly sorry to our members who have been working hard with me for over nine years, and I want to apologize once again to my parents and company staff who must have been surprised because of me.
I will keep on reflecting, and always be more strict with myself and try hard. I promise that in the future, both in public and private matters, I will truly do my best to be someone worthy of the name of the team SHINee.
“From, Onew.”
NU’EST’s Baekho’s sexual assault allegations
On June 22, reports surfaced claiming that NU’EST’s Baekho had been accused of sexual harassment.
According to these reports, an anonymous internet user claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Baekho in middle school. The accuser reportedly stated that she initially brought these claims up back in May with an online forum post, but was criticised for a lack of evidence. The post was deleted but the user has since posted up a screenshot, allegedly taken from their email correspondence with Pledis Entertainment, as well as a detailed breakdown of what allegedly happened.
In response to these accusations, Pledis has issued out a statement saying that the company intends on taking legal action against false rumors, malicious slander, comments, and posts, as well as strong action against all other unlawful acts.
At the time of writing, Pledis has released a second statement stating that the company has confirmed with Baekho himself that the rumors are not true.
Super Junior’s Kangin’s DUI incidents and assault allegations
According to Yonhap News, Kangin had allegedly assaulted his girlfriend while intoxicated. The report states that the alleged incident took place on November 17 at 4:30 am at a bar in Gangnam and the police were subsequently contacted. It is also reported that Kangin’s girlfriend doesn’t want to press charges against the Super Junior member for the alleged assault.
At the time of writing, Super Junior’s label, Label SJ, have issued out a statement saying that it is looking into these reports about Kangin’s alleged assault.
Kangin was previously involved in two incidents of driving under the influence back in 2009 and 2016.
Super Junior’s Siwon’s dog biting controversy
On October 20, the belated news of the death of a Mrs. Kim (53), who was bitten by a dog inside her apartment complex and died 4 days later due to sepsis, caused a stir within Korean media. The dog was coined as a French bulldog.
Siwon’s father first offered his deep condolences to the family of the deceased Mrs. Kim, and said,
“It is true that the deceased neighbor suffered a bite from our family dog, while our door was slightly ajar for a brief moment, and that she died as a result of sepsis. However, we heard after inquiring that additional causes such as secondary infection or a problem caused during the treatment process cannot be ruled out at this point, and so it is difficult to pinpoint the direct cause of death.”
According to Siwon’s father, their family personally visited Mrs. Kim’s family and bowed their heads in apology. Further, he stated,
“We are worried that the spread of untruthful or speculative content may further hurt Mrs. Kim’s family, who are mourning silently. We ask that this matter does not escalate any further. Also, we will secure our dog firmly so that such an event does not happen again.”
The deceased Mrs. Kim was known as the CEO of a famous, traditional restaurant which served various Korean presidents in the past.
Since Siwon took his personal Twitter to also leave a word of apology toward Mrs. Kim and family.
Siwon wrote,
“This is Choi Siwon. Once again, I bow my head in apology toward the family of the deceased, who must be suffering from the great shock and sorrow of losing a loved one. I feel deeply apologetic after hearing about the situation regarding our family’s dog. I offer my most sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” and, “I feel strongly responsible as a member of a family who raises a dog. I am currently deeply reflecting on failing to supervise strictly, which led to carelessness and a shocking event. I will do my duty to make sure such an event does not happen again. I apologize for worrying you. I pray a happy afterlife for the deceased.”
Shinee’s Jonghyun death
I won’t talk about this because I have already written a post about it. (x)
2NE1’s disbandment
2NE1 was announced to have officially disbanded in a surprise announcement that has left fans shocked. YG Entertainment has revealed the reasons behind the group separating.
The fate of 2NE1 has been hanging precariously for quite some time now. Park Bom has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2014 after an extremely controversial ‘drug scandal’ was revealed to the public. The incident involved an investigation by Korean police after a package was sent to Park Bom containing 80 amphetamine tablets.
Her first public appearance after this scandal would only come when the group performed at MAMA in 2015. Park Bom has not been seen in public at performances since MAMA 2015.
Leader CL has also been aggressively pursuing her solo US activities since October 2014, signing to super-agent Scooter Braun. Since then, she has mostly focused on her solo debut in the US. In 2016, she kicked off her first ever solo tour in the US.
Minzy had already left 2NE1 in a shocking announcement that was made in April 2016. The artist left a long message on her Instagram for her fans in response.
“Hello, this is Minzy.
It is with a sincere heart that I write to you all. First, I would like to apologize to all those who expressed shock at the news of my departure. It is after careful consideration and much deliberation that I have decided to pursue a new journey as an artist named Minzy Kong.
Ever since debuting with 2NE1 at the young age of 16, I have been grateful for the wonderful memories I shared with incredible fans worldwide. These experiences were undeniably precious and I take none of them for granted. Thank you all for helping me grow as an artist. I promise to work even harder to return before you all with an improved and more honest version of myself. Through a renewed vision and hard work, I hope to reciprocate the love, dedication, and support that you have shown me.
Thank you to all the fans, family, and friends who have shown me their love and concern.
I promise to return soon. love, Minzy”
Sandara Park has continued to focus on her acting career as part of YG Entertainment, seeing huge success in her online dramas.
From this, fans had deduced that something would be happening to the group. However, none would predict that the group would have a sudden disbandment such as this.
The company also seems to reveal that the fact Minzy had already left the group was a deciding factor in the disbandment. The statement reads, “As of May 2016, 2NE1’s exclusive contract with YG was over and seeing as Minzy was longer able to continue with the group, YG, along with the members, have decided to officially disband 2NE1 after many discussions.”
From the release, it seems that 2NE1 members have not suddenly dropped their friendship, but have simply decided to focus on their own solo activities. We wish them the best of luck in their future!
History’s disbandment
It has unfortunately been announced that HISTORY will officially be disbanding.
Following leader Song Kyungil’s enlistment, the remaining four members will also be fulfilling their mandatory military service soon.
On May 12, their agency FAVE Entertainment stated,
“Even though HISTORY have concluded their promotions as a group, all five members will still remain with the company. After returning from the military, they will be carrying out individual activities. We are genuinely thankful for all the support that fans have given them for four years.”
HISTORY entered the music scene back in 2013 with their debut track “Dreamer.”
Other disbanded groups
- 2AM
- Boys24
- Chocolat
- D.Holic
- I.B.I
- I.O.I
- Leessang
- M.I.B
- Miss A
- Phantom
- Sistar
- Spica
- The Legend
- Unicorn
- Wonder Girls
