Former Xdinary Heroes member Keunil has apologized for inappropriate comments about fans, while saying they were directed at some of the “malicious fans” rather than the fandom as a whole.
Following JYP Entertainment’s August 13th announcement of his departure, Keunil posted a lengthy statement saying he had wanted to remain with the group but ultimately accepted the company’s decision.
He also said the person behind the exposé was someone he met through an acquaintance and dated for about two weeks.
“The person making the inappropriate comments about fans in the released recording was me,” Keunil admitted. “Whatever the reason, that doesn’t change the fact that I said those things. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was disappointed or hurt.”
Keunil maintained that the remarks were aimed at people who anonymously attacked the group or invaded their privacy, not Villains, Xdinary Heroes’ fandom as a whole.
He also alleged serious sasaeng harassment, saying fans broke into the group’s home earlier this year and placed a tracking device on his personal vehicle. “After going through those experiences, I developed a lot of fear and resentment toward certain malicious fans, and it was a very difficult time for me emotionally,” he said.
The drummer added that criticism surrounding the group’s June concert at Inspire Arena left him particularly distressed. According to him, he vented those pent-up emotions to someone he had only recently begun seeing and used “overly harsh and inappropriate language.”
Although he said he never expected the conversation to be recorded and made public, Keunil reiterated that “regardless of whether it was released, the fact that I said those things was wrong.”
Addressing his former bandmates, Gunil said it would be dishonest to claim he never had any complaints while living and working closely together, but added, “During my time in Xdinary Heroes, I genuinely cared for and loved the members, and I can say with confidence that I was always grateful for the love Villains gave us.”
JYP previously said it terminated Keunil’s exclusive contract by mutual agreement. Xdinary Heroes will continue as a five-member group with Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han and Jooyeon.
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