On May 1 KST, Kim Hyun Joong, Heo Young Saeng, and Kim Kyu Jong of SS501 teased their return as the new unit FIVE O ONE with an impactful teaser film.

The three original SS501 members will be getting back together for a special world tour in celebration of the 2nd generation K-Pop group's 20th debut anniversary this year, kicking off their tour in Seoul in July before heading to countries around the world. 

However, Korean netizens did not react well to the news of Kim Hyun Joong's apparent return to activities in South Korea following his series of controversies. 

Previously in 2014, Kim Hyun Joong was charged and found guilty of physically assaulting and injuring his ex-girlfriend. After receiving his sentence in the form of a fine, Kim Hyun Joong again became embroiled in controversy after the same ex-girlfriend, 'A', came forward claiming that she had given birth to Kim Hyun Joong's son. A DNA test proved that 'A's child was Kim Hyun Joong's son by a match of 99.99%, and the two then proceeded with a series of lawsuits which included custody rights to the child, as well as claims of defamation, threatening, the spread of false rumors, etc. Ultimately, 'A' won custody over her son, but was ordered to pay Kim Hyun Joong for using false accusations to threaten Kim Hyun Joong by saying that his assault caused her to undergo an abortion. 

Then, in 2017, Kim Hyun Joong once again brewed controversy after being stopped by police for driving under the influence in the early hours of March 26 KST. Since then, the Hallyu star has been primarily active overseas, holding fan meetings and concerts in Asia and South America. In 2022, Kim Hyun Joong married a non-celebrity fiancée, and the couple is known to have two sons. 

Now, the news of SS501's return as the trio FIVE O ONE is being met with criticism by some, who commented,

"It's meaningless without the other 2."

"The SS501 that fans support is Kim Hyung Jun, Heo Young Saeng, and Kim Kyu Jong."

"How does he still have fans..??"

"The fact that Kim Hyun Joong's agency is organizing all of this just screams, 'I need money'." 

"LOL who is gonna go to this concert in Korea??"

"I'm actually glad that Kim Hyung Jun and Park Jung Min are sitting this out. It's smarter of them to keep away."

"If this was all 5 members, fans would have shown up for old times sake..."

"I thought I read the name wrong and it was supposed to be Kim Hyung Jun TT."

"A SS501 reunion is supposed to be Kim Hyung Jun, Heo Young Saeng, Park Jung Min, and Kim Kyu Jong TT."

"The fact that they're even doing this to try and make what money they can by selling people 'memories' is so pathetic."

"I'm sorry but Kim Hyun Joong is the guy who literally disbanded SS501 himself. He thinks he has the right to do this now?"

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