IDID to Launch Without Original Member Park Junhwan Amid Misogyny and Rape Allegations

Park Junhwan Exits Upcoming Boy Group IDID Amid Serious Allegations

On Monday, Starship Entertainment confirmed the departure of Park Junhwan from the anticipated boy group IDID. This decision comes after weeks of intense scrutiny over allegations concerning his alleged misogynistic conduct. The group will now move forward with seven members instead of the initially proposed eight.

Allegations and Social Media Backlash

The allegations against Junhwan emerged from anonymous claims made by supposed former classmates who accused him of engaging in misogynistic behavior and sexual misconduct during his school years. Specific accusations that surfaced in mid-May included making derogatory remarks about women, manipulating photographs of female peers, and disregarding a girlfriend’s wishes regarding safe intimate practices.

The controversy ignited significant activity across social media, particularly on X, where the hashtag #ParkJunhwan_OUT trended in late May. Many frustrated fans took to organizing protests, some even sending symbolic funeral wreaths to the headquarters of Starship Entertainment as a call for Junhwan’s removal from the group. This act underscored their demand for accountability from the entertainment company.

Evidence and Responses from Starship Entertainment

Supporters of the allegations circulated various screenshots and messages online, purporting them as corroborative evidence of Junhwan’s alleged misconduct. Former classmates claimed in private conversations that he frequently expressed an “obsession with women”and openly shared his sexual experiences during their schooling years.

In response to the uproar, Starship Entertainment defended Junhwan, labeling the allegations as “completely false.”They asserted that an internal investigation had been conducted, which revealed his academic records and statements from school officials highlighting him as “a diligent and responsible student.”Furthermore, the agency claimed that some anonymous accounts pretending to be his former classmates were disseminating misleading information.

Junhwan’s Departure and Mental Health Support

Despite the defense offered by Starship, the agency announced that Junhwan opted to leave the group due to the considerable psychological distress he experienced as a result of the unfolding events. Starship expressed their commitment to providing him with the necessary time for recovery and professional mental health assistance. Additionally, the agency indicated their intention to pursue legal action against those propagating false information and harassment directed at Junhwan.

Future of IDID

IDID was created through the survival competition “Debut’s Plan”and originally included eight members: Kim Min-jae, Jang Yong-hoon, Baek Jun-hyuk, Park Won-bin, Choo Yoo-chan, Jung Se-min, Park Jun-hwan, and Park Sung-hyun. The remaining seven members are set to continue with their debut scheduled for the latter half of 2025.

Park Junhwan’s removal signals the weight of allegations within the K-pop industry, reflecting growing awareness and intolerance towards misogyny and harassment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPL4rVhbONs

Park Junhwan Withdraws from IDID Debut Lineup Following Alleged "Misogynistic Behavior" Controversy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPL4rVhbONs)

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