Choi Minhwan, who had paused his activities due to personal controversy, is returning to the domestic stage through his band FTISLAND’s upcoming concert.
On June 30 KST, FTISLAND announced that they will hold their solo concert, '2025 FTISLAND LIVE ‘MAD HAPPY’', on August 23 and 24 at the Blue Square SOL Theater in Seoul.
This marks the group’s first domestic solo concert in about a year since '2024 FTISLAND LIVE ‘PULSE’', held in June of last year. Notably, the agency stated, “This concert will feature Lee Hongki, Lee Jaejin, and Choi Minhwan,” officially confirming Choi’s return and drawing significant attention.
Previously, Choi Minhwan had married former LABOUM member Yulhee and had one son and twin daughters. However, the couple announced their divorce in December 2023. Soon after, Yulhee publicly shared an audio recording implying that Choi had visited adult entertainment establishments, which stirred major public backlash.
As a result of the controversy, Choi halted his group activities and also stepped down from a family variety program he had been appearing on with his children.
Although he was later cleared of prostitution allegations due to lack of evidence, Choi shared his frustrations in a public statement, saying, “I felt that speaking out without a clear outcome amid one-sided claims, false information, and rampant speculation would only make matters worse.”
In another statement from December, he explained, “The hotel and motel mentioned in the recording were places I went alone to clear my head. I had no excuse at the time, but I hope people know that’s the truth. I have no intention of hiding or running away.” However, parts of the recording—particularly references to “hostesses”—remain inadequately addressed, and public sentiment toward him continues to be cold.
During this period, FTISLAND carried out activities as a two-member unit with Lee Hongki and Lee Jaejin. Nonetheless, Choi had already resumed participating in group performances overseas, notably rejoining the band on stage for their Japan concerts as early as March this year.
Now, with news of his return to Korean stages, public reactions have been mixed. Online comments range from, “It’s the three of them again… I wanted to go but now I’m not so sure,” to “Surprised it happened this soon,” “That’s real friendship,” and “If the members are okay with it, so be it,” as well as, “Finally, we get to see our oppas smile again.”
Through this concert, Choi Minhwan signals a full-scale domestic comeback. However, with lingering skepticism from the public, it remains uncertain whether he can regain the same level of support as before.
SEE ALSO: F.T.ISLAND to launch ‘MAD HAPPY’ Asia tour starting this September
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