Why Wonho leaving Monsta X just might be the biggest music news today

'I have reached this decision after seeing many people having a hard time because of me'
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Megan C. Hills31 October 2019

K-pop star Wonho and his agency Starship Entertainment have announced that he will be leaving his band Monsta X, following allegations surrounding the star. In a handwritten letter penned by the star to his fans, Wonho apologised for “causing [fans] pain” and addressed his “personal issues”.

He wrote, “First, I would like to apologise for not being able to keep the promise that I would only provide good memories to our fans and for causing them pain. Furthermore, I apologise for causing concern to many people due to my personal issues.”

A Korean reality star named Jung Da Eun alleged on Tuesday that Wonho owed a sum amounting to £20,000 on Instagram. After the post was published, Da Eun then shared a series of texts exchanged with Wonho’s lawyer which saw Da Eun claim that Wonho did not pay rent, sold Da Eun’s personal belongings on an auction site and had not paid back the money he had borrowed. (Wonho denies this.)

Da Eun's original post can be seen above.

Wonho continued, “There was a time when I was immature and have made big and small mistakes, but after becoming a trainee and making my debut, I stayed on track and worked hard to avoid being ashamed of myself. I am announcing that I am leaving MONSTA X today.”

Including Wonho, there are seven members in the band and Wonho has also battled other controversies. After Wonho was seen at a fan event making a Me Too joke, he apologised to fans who were upset that he had made light of the movement.

Getty Images

Wonho said, “I am apologetic for causing harm to the members due to the unfortunate issues related to me. More than anything, I am sorry for disappointing my fans who believed in me. I have reached this decision after seeing many people having a hard time because of me.”

He asked fans to “give strength to MONSTA X”, saying “The members have nothing to do with me...They are people who are too good to stop and get hurt like this because of someone like me.”

MONSTA X
Getty Images

Starship Entertainment also confirmed Wonho’s departure, releasing a statement which read, “After a long discussion with MONSTA X’s member Wonho, we have agreed that it’s best to part ways amicably at this point. We greatly respect Wonho’s decision who wants to make sure the recent chain of events doesn’t distract from all of the exciting things that are happening for MONSTA X now and what lies ahead in the future.”

It added that although MONSTA X was booked in to do various performances this week, Wonho’s exit was effectively immediately and the band would be performing as a six-person group.

The statement finished, “We regret to announce this disappointing news, especially to the amazing MONSTA X fans who have always supported and cared for the group.”

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