MONSTA X's Wonho Announces His Sudden Departure From The Group Amid Recent Allegations

Sad news for MONSTA X fans.

Starship Entertainment, the agency behind the seven-member boy group, announced Wonho‘s departure from the musical act on Thursday amid allegations from his past.

The lead vocalist of the K-pop group has been accused by Jung Da Eun, a Korean actress, of him not paying back the 30 million Won — approximately $25.6K USD — he borrowed from her years before he joined MONSTA X. Controversial former idol trainee Han Seo Hee backed up those claims, while also going so far as to allege Wonho was in a juvenile detention center back in his high school days.

Just on Wednesday, Starship told News1 of the first allegation:

“[The rumor] is not true, and we are looking into the possibility of taking legal action.”

But taking to Twitter today, they confirmed the 26-year-old exit from the popular musical group. In both Korean and English, they shared:

“Dear All,

First, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciate to all of you who have sent a lot of love to MONSTA X in recent days and over time.

After a long discussion with MONSTA X’s member Wonho, we have agreed that it’s best to part ways amicably at this point.
We greatly respect Wonho’s decision who wants to make sure the recent chain of events doesn’t distract from all of the exciting things that are happening for MONSTA X now and what lies ahead in the future. We will continue to hold legal liability for malicious and distorted claims related to this matter.

We apologize greatly for any inconvenience this may have caused to our fans.

Wonho will not attend any schedule from today and MONSTA X will continue with this week’s scheduled music broadcast as a six-member band. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to the many involved parties.

We regret to announce this disappointing news, especially to the amazing MONSTA X fans who have always supported and cared for the group. We promise to return with better music and stage for MONSTA X fans.

Sincerely yours,

Starship Entertainment”

안녕하세요.
스타쉽 엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/2MSbpudbvf

— STARSHIP Ent. (@STARSHIPent) October 31, 2019

Additionally, Wonho posted a letter to his fans, explaining his exit from MONSTA X even further. See (below) for an English translation, which detailed his heartbreaking decision:

“This is Wonho.

First, I would like to apologize for not being able to keep the promise that I would only provide good memories to our fans and for causing them pain. Furthermore, I apologize for causing concern to many people due to my personal issues.

I have received undeserving blessings and love while promoting as a MONSTA X member. I sincerely thank you for making precious memories for me. To the members who worked hard with me and stayed with me, I would like to tell them that I’m thankful and that I love them. [I would also like to show them] my apologetic heart.

There was a time when I was immature and have made big and small mistakes, but after becoming a trainee and making my debut, I stayed on track and worked hard to avoid being ashamed of myself.

I am announcing that I am leaving MONSTA X today.

I am apologetic for causing harm to the members due to the unfortunate issues related to me. More than anything, I am sorry for disappointing my fans who believed in me. I have reached this decision after seeing many people having a hard time because of me.

In addition to our members, I once again sincerely bow my head in apology to the fans who have believed in me and supported me.

Please give strength to MONSTA X.
The members have nothing to do with me.
I carefully ask that you at least give support and encouragement to the members.
They are people who are too good to stop and get hurt like this because of someone like me.
I am so thankful and apologetic to the staff, members, and lastly our fans who have allowed me to enjoy such happiness until this point.”

Wonho departs Monsta X — Wonho, third from the left, will no longer be part of the group. His six other members will continue as MONSTA X without him. / (c) WENN/Avalon

Their fans, also known as Monbebes, have shared their shock over his sudden departure, taking to Twitter with emotional posts in his honor, while also asking him to come back.

You can take a look at some of them (below)!

https://twitter.com/wonhodepth/status/1189983918239469574

https://twitter.com/jooheonohmy/status/1189985477723611142

monsta x will always be seven to us.
no matter how this turns out.
wonho is part of monsta x.
monsta x is part of wonho.
monsta x is part of monbebe.
monbebe is part of monsta x.
wonho is part of monbebe.
monbebe is part of wonho.#WONHOCOMEBACK #원호탈퇴반대 #원호사랑해

— wonho's ayato ♡ (@leeminhyikes_) October 31, 2019