Jang Hyun-seung Explains Departure from Beast After 8 Years: Company Told Him Not to Attend Fan Meeting

In a recent statement on the paid communication app Fromm, Jang Hyun-seung discussed his departure from Beast. He clarified, “At the time, it had been decided that I would be leaving the team, and I was informed that the official announcement would be made soon. As a result, I did not attend the fan meeting and instead went out. I would like to emphasize that my absence was not due to any unexcused reasons.”

He was instructed by the company not to attend the fan meeting and instead film a video on his phone apologizing to Japanese fans and explaining his absence due to various reasons. He complied with their request, but in hindsight, he realizes it would have been wiser to stay at home. However, at the time, he was not in the right mindset to do so.

Jang Hyun-seung was a member of Beast from their debut in 2009 until his departure in 2016. Following his departure, Beast reorganized as a five-member group and rebranded themselves as Highlight. However, Yong Jun-hyung also left the group in light of the Jung Joon-young group chat scandal, leaving Highlight as a four-member group who continue to be active.

Despite facing ongoing criticism for his alleged uncooperative nature and rumors of discord with other members during his time with Beast, Jang Hyun-seung’s absence from a fan meeting without prior notice was the decisive incident that sparked controversy. Despite initially citing personal reasons, it was later revealed that he had met with an acquaintance at a cafe in Seoul on the day of the fan meeting, causing further controversy. Jang Hyun-seung ultimately issued an apology, acknowledging that his actions were inexcusable, and subsequently departed from the group.

After departing from Beast, Jang Hyun-seung has been focusing on his solo career.