Shanghai, December 26, 2023 — Ken Chu, a member of the iconic Taiwanese boy band F4, issued a public apology yesterday, December 25, for remarks made regarding Mayday’s agency, B’in Music, potentially signaling a shift in the ongoing dispute that has cast a shadow over hopes for a full F4 reunion.
A Public Apology and Lingering Questions
The apology follows months of tension stemming from disagreements over F4 reunion plans and accusations of being excluded from performances.
- The feud began after Ken Chu shared unconfirmed details about a potential F4 reunion during a livestream.
- B’in Music allegedly cut off contact with Chu and excluded him from recent F4 performances in Shanghai.
- Chu apologized for “inappropriate remarks” made during private communications, citing online bullying and its impact on his family.
- The future of a complete F4 reunion remains uncertain despite the apology.
Chu’s apology, posted on social media, acknowledged that he “lost emotional control and made inappropriate remarks while communicating privately with others” amid what he described as a “constant barrage of malicious private messages.” He stated that since F4’s performance at a Mayday concert in September, he has “continuously suffered from online bullying,” causing significant mental strain.
“Recently, the situation has worsened, not only seriously disrupting my normal work routine but also unjustly impacting the peaceful lives of my family members, leaving me physically and mentally exhausted,” Chu wrote. He extended a “sincere apology to the public” for causing unnecessary speculation and consuming public resources with his earlier statements.
What prompted this sudden apology from Ken Chu after months of escalating tension? Chu explained that he deeply reflected on his actions and acknowledged failing to handle the dispute rationally, setting a “poor example.” He pledged to be more cautious in his future communications and urged others to view online commentary with a rational perspective.
The apology arrives as a surprise, particularly given Chu’s recent critical comments regarding Mayday’s Ashin. At a December 22 concert featuring the remaining F4 members – Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, and Vanness Wu – Ashin addressed the crowd, explaining that Chu “wasn’t able to make it temporarily” and vowed to continue working towards a full reunion.
The following day, screenshots surfaced online purportedly showing messages from Chu in a fan group. When questioned about Ashin’s comments, Chu reportedly responded that Ashin had made similar statements previously but that he hadn’t received any concrete information. He dismissed Ashin’s remarks as “just polite talk,” advising fans to “listen and let it go.”
The situation began several months ago when Chu revealed unconfirmed details about F4’s reunion plans during a livestream, a move that reportedly impacted the project. He later claimed that B’in Music cut off contact with him and excluded him from upcoming performances, including the Shanghai shows, after he refused to comply with unspecified demands.
Whether Chu’s apology represents a genuine turning point or a temporary truce remains to be seen, leaving fans to wonder if a complete F4 reunion will ever materialize.
