Authorities have initiated an investigation into Choi Minhwan after his ex-wife, Yulhee, released a 37-minute video detailing the reasons behind their divorce. In the video, Minhwan is recorded discussing plans to visit a nightclub and inquiring about the availability of women at the establishment. This revelation has raised serious concerns and prompted police action.
Yulhee became aware of these activities last year, leading to the eventual public disclosure. The video has since sparked significant media attention, prompting responses from various stakeholders, including FNC Entertainment, which expressed their difficulty in intervening in personal matters, particularly those related to family issues. Despite this, Minhwan has taken responsibility for disappointing many and has decided to step back from television activities, including his appearances on the variety show TROS alongside his children.
Currently, Minhwan is in Taiwan for FT Island’s concert tour, but it remains unclear whether he will attend the scheduled performances amid this controversy. The Gangnam Police Department clarified that their investigation is a response to a report made through a national petition, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
The Gangnam police plan to conduct an internal investigation before potentially elevating the case to a criminal level. A notable part of the investigation includes a recorded phone conversation from August 10, 2022, in which Minhwan can be heard stating, “I’m going out quietly,” and requesting that an acquaintance, believed to be affiliated with a nightclub, recommend a venue. He also instructed, “Tell the waiter to be nice to me. There are no girls here. I heard that if you wait an hour, you can see some girls. There’s no ‘room’ in places like this, right?”
This unfolding situation not only puts Minhwan’s career at risk but also raises questions about the culture surrounding entertainment figures in South Korea and their personal lives. As the investigation continues, fans and the public alike are left to ponder the implications of such revelations on the lives of those involved and the industry as a whole. The outcome of this investigation may have lasting effects on Minhwan’s public image and future career prospects, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the entertainment industry.
