In the dynamic world of K-pop, idols are often at the center of intense scrutiny, with some facing significant controversies that lead to their departure from their groups. From NCT’s Taeil to BIGBANG’s Seungri, here’s a closer look at several idols who have been removed from their groups following serious allegations and scandals.

NCT’s Taeil

One of the most recent and shocking cases involves Taeil, a former member of NCT. On August 28, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that Taeil would be leaving the group due to allegations of an unspecified sexual crime. The agency emphasized the severity of the situation and made it clear that Taeil, whose legal name is Moon Tae Il, could no longer continue his activities with the team. Following the announcement, NCT’s official Instagram accounts, along with those of NCT 127, unfollowed Taeil’s personal account. Many fans also distanced themselves from the idol, with some closing fan accounts and destroying his merchandise to show support for the victims.

BIGBANG’s Seungri

Seungri, a former member of BIGBANG, left the group on March 11, 2019, amidst serious allegations of facilitating sex work for investors by drugging women at his club. The allegations led to his conviction in 2020 as part of the Burning Sun scandal. Seungri was initially sentenced to three years in prison and fined 1.15 billion won (approximately USD 970,000). However, after admitting guilt to all charges and expressing remorse, his sentence was reduced to 18 months. He was released from prison on February 9, 2023.

LE SSERAFIM’s Kim Garam

In 2022, Kim Garam was removed from LE SSERAFIM following allegations of bullying. Reports accused her of both verbal and physical bullying of classmates, leading to significant backlash and her eventual removal from the group. Despite Garam’s firm denial of the allegations through a friend’s Instagram, her return to regular life has been reportedly challenging. HYBE released a brief statement asserting that “further comments are inappropriate,” and Garam’s current whereabouts remain largely unknown.

(G)I-DLE’s Soojin

Soojin was removed from (G)I-DLE after being accused of bullying by an individual who claimed Soojin had harassed their sibling. Despite denials from both Soojin and Cube Entertainment, the situation escalated when actress Seo Shin Ae publicly accused Soojin of bullying her during their school years. This led to Soojin taking a hiatus in March 2021, followed by her official departure from the group a few months later. Cube Entertainment later terminated Soojin’s contract after a police investigation concluded that the original accusers had not spread false information.

2PM’s Jay Park

Jay Park, now a successful soloist, originally debuted with 2PM in 2008. However, in 2009, he left the group following the discovery of old MySpace posts where he made insensitive comments about Korea. Despite issuing an apology, the public backlash was severe, leading to his departure from 2PM. After his exit, the group continued as a six-member band, and the members expressed their hope for his return during various award ceremonies.

iKON’s B.I

B.I, a former member of iKON, left the group on June 12, 2019, following allegations of attempting to purchase marijuana and LSD in 2016. After admitting to some of the charges, B.I departed from iKON and was later indicted without detention for violating narcotics laws. He received a three-year sentence, suspended for four years, along with community service and fines.

Triple H’s HyunA and Dawn

In August 2018, HyunA and Dawn (formerly E’Dawn) were removed from Triple H after publicly revealing their romantic relationship, which had been ongoing since May 2016. Cube Entertainment terminated their contracts, citing an inability to “maintain trust” with the artists. Despite this, both HyunA and Dawn later confirmed their departures from the agency in October 2018.

HIGHLIGHT’s Yong Junhyung

Yong Junhyung left HIGHLIGHT in 2019 amidst controversy involving Jung Joon Young‘s illegal hidden camera sex videos. Though Junhyung initially clarified that he was not part of the group chatroom implicated in the scandal, he later admitted to watching a video that was shared without the woman’s consent. Following this admission, Junhyung departed from HIGHLIGHT and ceased his entertainment activities.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with any form of assault, bullying, or sexual offense, please reach out to the authorities or an NGO to report it. There are several helplines available for assistance.

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