Choi Minhwan Discusses “Solo Motel Visits” Without Addressing Yulhee’s Sexual Harassment Claims

On December 18, Choi Minhwan took to the fan interaction platform Weverse to deliver a heartfelt message directly to his fans, affectionately known as Primadonna. He began by expressing, “To Primadonna, whom I love the most in the world, I wish to share my thoughts independent of my agency. Being part of a company and a group has made me realize how much I have to protect, sometimes at the expense of expressing my own views.”

In his statement, he firmly refuted allegations put forth by the media, asserting, “As reported, I did not engage in prostitution. The accusations were dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence. How can I prove something I didn’t do? That’s why I felt I had nothing further to add.”

Choi elaborated on his circumstances, explaining the context of certain locations mentioned in recordings. “The hotel and motel referenced were places I visited to find solitude. I understand if this is difficult to believe, but that is the truth. Unfortunately, I cannot provide clear evidence to support this claim, and I sincerely apologize for that. I have been at a loss for how to clarify or defend myself.”

He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt plea, stating, “I just hope people understand that these claims are untrue. I’m not attempting to conceal the truth or evade responsibility. I am genuinely sorry.”

It is crucial to note that Choi Minhwan’s address did not include any mention of sexual harassment allegations made by his ex-wife Yulhee. Furthermore, he did not explicitly deny visiting certain entertainment venues.

This revelation led to an outpouring of questions online, with many users highlighting inconsistencies, questioning, “What was the significance of asking for xx and yy? Why not make your reservations? You claim you didn’t participate in prostitution, yet you haven’t definitively stated you didn’t visit those establishments.”

In response to this scrutiny, Choi replied, “I don’t understand what xx and yy refer to, but perhaps they stand for conditioner and a toothbrush? I feel it necessary to mention that I underwent a vasectomy, so I don’t require condoms, and I always carry a toothbrush for hygiene. Why would that raise suspicion?”

Choi Minhwan’s personal life has also attracted considerable attention. He married former LABOUM member Yulhee in 2018, and together they have a son and two daughters. However, their relationship turned tumultuous, culminating in a divorce announcement in December of the previous year, just five years after their wedding. Following the split, Choi was granted custody of their children.

In October, Yulhee posted a video on her YouTube channel, alleging that Choi Minhwan had visited entertainment venues during their marriage and had sexually harassed her. She stated, “In front of our parents, he touched my private parts and groped my chest.” These accusations were coupled with recordings alleging Choi’s intent to engage with hostesses, which spurred public outrage.

Consequently, internet users filed complaints with the national public service hotline, prompting an investigation by the Seoul Gangnam Police Station. The investigation focused on potential violations of the Anti-Prostitution Act and allegations of forced sexual harassment. Ultimately, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

On November 29, post-investigation, Choi Minhwan denied the prostitution allegations, voicing his frustrations about the spread of false claims and distorted narratives surrounding his case. He emphasized his desire to address the situation adequately for the wellbeing of his three children, also delivering apologies to fans for the ongoing controversy.

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