Hongki Lee of the band ‘FT Island’ completed the team’s first two-member performance. This three-member team temporarily became a two-member team as drummer Minhwan Choi recently suspended activities due to controversy over his private life.
FT Island performed as a sub-headliner on the Mint Breeze Stage, the main stage of the ‘Grand Mint Festival 2024 (GMF 2024)’ held at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 2nd.
Frontman Lee Hong-ki and bassist Lee Jae-jin came to the fore, and the drums were replaced by sessions.
They placed ‘Pray’, which begins with the lyrics “Many lies whispered in another reality,” and sang ‘Serious’, ‘Aqua’, etc.
Lee Hong-ki expressed gratitude to the fans who supported them during their difficult times. “Actually, I was depressed (recently). I felt like the world was ’eokkka’ (slang for unreasonably criticizing), but I am thankful. He also emphasized, “I will continue to make music until I die.”
The day before, Lee Hong-ki posted on his social media, “See you tomorrow! He expressed his determination, saying, “I will play without any effort.” This is because Choi Min-hwan’s privacy issues had a negative impact on the team’s activities.
Starting with today’s performance, FT Island will accelerate its two-person activities for the time being. They will appear at KHNP Music Festival ‘Theater’ on the 8th, 2024 Live Pulse in Asia in Macau on the 10th, Live on Busan on the 17th, and Love in Seoul 2024 on the 24th.
Meanwhile, Choi Min-hwan’s ex-wife, Yul-hee, a former member of the group ’Laboum’, said in a video posted on her YouTube channel on the 24th of last month that her ex-husband sexually harassed her by entering entertainment establishments during their marriage and sticking money in her chest in front of her family. insisted.
As the controversy arose, Choi Min-hwan’s agency said, “After in-depth discussions about FT Island’s future activities, we have decided to temporarily continue activities as a two-person system (Lee Hong-ki and Lee Jae-jin).” Gangnam Police Station in Seoul is investigating Choi Min-hwan and agent A on charges including the Prostitution Punishment Act.
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Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest with us, music industry expert Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon, to discuss the recent challenges faced by the K-pop band FT Island and their performance at the Grand Mint Festival 2024. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ahn!
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: It’s great to be here. Thank you for having me!
Interviewer: FT Island has recently gone from a three-member team to a temporary two-member team, following drummer Minhwan Choi’s suspension. Can you share your insights on how such controversies can impact a band’s dynamics and performance?
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: Absolutely. When a band faces controversy related to any member, it not only affects the public perception of the group but also its internal dynamics. In FT Island’s case, Minhwan’s recent issues have forced Lee Hong-ki and Lee Jae-jin to adapt quickly to change. They are now performing as a two-member unit, which alters their sound and stage presence.
Interviewer: Speaking of stage presence, they recently performed on the Mint Breeze Stage at GMF 2024, showcasing songs like “Pray” and “Serious.” How do you think the fans responded to the performance under these circumstances?
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: The response from fans can often be more nuanced in such situations. Generally, fans are understanding and loyal, especially when they see the group putting in the effort. Hong-ki’s display of vulnerability and gratitude during the performance likely resonated deeply with the audience, further strengthening their support. It’s a testament to the bond between artists and their fans.
Interviewer: During the performance, Hong-ki mentioned feeling depressed but also expressed his commitment to continue making music. How important do you think this openness about mental health is for artists in the K-pop industry?
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: Mental health is a crucial topic that has often been stigmatized in the entertainment industry, particularly in K-pop. By speaking out, artists like Hong-ki can set an example, encouraging others to address their struggles candidly. This openness fosters a healthier environment not just for artists but also for fans who may be dealing with similar issues.
Interviewer: With FT Island planning to move forward with a two-member operation for the time being, how do you see this affecting their future projects and collaborations?
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: A two-member arrangement allows them to explore new musical directions and creativity. However, they need to be cautious about how they maintain the essence of FT Island while adapting. It could lead to fresh collaborations and innovative projects, but they must be mindful of preserving the loyalty of their fanbase amid ongoing scrutiny.
Interviewer: The situation surrounding Minhwan Choi is still developing, as he faces serious allegations being investigated by the police. What long-term impacts do you think this could have on the band?
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: The long-term impacts depend largely on how the situation is resolved. If Choi returns, there will be significant work needed to rebuild trust both within the group and with their fans. Conversely, if his path diverges from the band, FT Island will have to redefine themselves. They must prepare for both outcomes in order to navigate potential changes in their career trajectory.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Ahn, for your insights on this situation with FT Island. It’s a complex scenario, but your expertise helps shed light on the many dimensions of their challenges and opportunities ahead.
Dr. Ahn Ji-hoon: Thank you for having me! It’s important to approach these topics with sensitivity, especially when it involves people’s lives and careers.
Interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let’s continue to support our artists, both in their successes and struggles. Until next time!