Choi Min-hwan, a member of the band FT Island, is currently facing a suspension from public life due to a personal controversy. The spotlight has shifted back to him following a resurfaced video showing him throwing the first pitch at a professional baseball game.
During the ‘2019 Shinhan Bank MY CAR KBO League’ match between the LG Twins and the Hanwha Eagles, Choi Min-hwan delivered the first pitch, but his excessive force raised concerns after it appeared to cause his one-year-old son’s neck to bend awkwardly. / YouTube ‘KBS News’
On June 8, 2019, at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park, Choi Min-hwan took on the role of pitcher while his wife, Yulhee, a former Laboum member, acted as the batter.
On that occasion, Choi Min-hwan, donning a baby carrier, stepped onto the mound holding his infant son. He threw the baseball towards his wife with significant force. However, the manner in which he twisted his body to deliver the pitch led to a moment where his child’s neck appeared to contort uncomfortably.
This unsettling scene was captured on video, displaying a moment when his son’s body twisted sharply, leaving many viewers alarmed.
Critics highlighted that this act could have been extremely dangerous and noted that Minhwan had also reportedly held his son without the baby carrier during practice sessions, which intensified the backlash.
Following the incident, Choi Min-hwan conveyed his remorse, stating, “I want to sincerely apologize to everyone concerned about my baby’s safety during the pitch. I felt excited to share this meaningful experience with my son, but it was my thoughtlessness that placed him in harm’s way.”
In another twist, Yulhee, the former member of LABOUM, made headlines by revealing a voice recording that implies Choi Minhwan’s visits to entertainment venues that may involve inappropriate activities. Despite this shocking revelation, her YouTube channel still features videos of the couple’s happy moments together.
On October 24, Yulhee disclosed on her YouTube channel, “Yulhee’s House,” that she had discovered Minhwan’s visits to such places a year prior, which dramatically changed her life and ultimately led to their separation.
Furthermore, she recounted inappropriate behaviors she experienced, including instances where Minhwan, while intoxicated, acted disrespectfully in front of family, even making inappropriate gestures in the presence of her in-laws.
Additionally, Yulhee shared a voice recording from 2022 revealing Minhwan inquiring about visiting a location with female workers, discussing costs, and asking about nearby accommodations.
These revelations prompted accusations relating to prostitution, causing Choi Min-hwan to step down from his role on KBS 2TV’s program “The Return of Superman.” The Seoul Gangnam Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations following an e-People petition.
In light of the unfolding situation, FNC Entertainment, Choi Min-hwan’s management agency, expressed regret for the disappointment caused to the public and announced that he would be pausing all media engagements.
Meanwhile, Yulhee’s YouTube channel still hosts vlogs featuring Minhwan and their children, showcasing their previously joyful moments before the divorce, which has stirred feelings of sadness among viewers.
Source: Naver
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