Ilhoon leaves BTOB due to marijuana scandal – Manila Bulletin

Singer Jung Ilhoon, 26, left the K-pop boy band BTOB after police caught him using marijuana.

Cube Entertainment made the announcement today (December 31), saying, “We bow our heads in apology for causing concern due to an issue involving our agency’s artist Jung Ilhoon.”

“Jung Ilhoon is deeply reflecting on his actions to break the trust of many fans and make them feel disappointed. Respecting his personal opinion not to cause further harm to the group, it was decided that Jung Ilhoon will withdraw from the group starting today, ”the agency said, SBS News reported.

Cube Entertainment added, “We feel great responsibility for this recent incident, and our agency will do our duty to have him faithfully participate in the upcoming investigation.”

The agency said that BTOB will continue with the remaining six members: Eunkwang, Changsub, Minhyuk, Sungjae, Hyunsik, and Peniel.

Ilhoon was investigated by the police after determining that he used marijuana several times in the span of four to five years until last year. The police turned his case over to the prosecution last July and recommended that he and his accomplices be charged with violating the Korean Narcotics Control Law.

To avoid detection, Ilhoon allegedly converted 100 million won (about $ 90,340 or P4.34 million) in cash into cryptocurrency to buy marijuana. He enlisted in the army on May 28 of this year and works as a public service worker.

Korean fans at the BTOB gallery on the DC Inside fan community website issued an official position calling for their immediate removal from the group.

They said that when Ilhoon announced his enlistment on Instagram on May 27, he said nothing about the police investigation into his marijuana use.

“This is a deceptive deal for the fans who have supported them since their debut in 2012, and for whatever reason, it is completely unacceptable,” they said and strongly urged Cube Entertainment to remove him from BTOB.

They warned that if Ilhoon is not removed from BTOB, they will not buy or accept BTOB’s music in the future.