iKON’s leader B.I (Kim Han Bin) has been confirmed to leave LG Entertainment following Korean media outlet Dispatch's report accusing the singer of purchasing, using illegal drugs, and dodging police charges.
Dispatch released an exclusive report on June 12 saying that newly uncovered Kakao Talk messages revealed that B.I purchased and used illegal drugs through a female dealer 'A' about 3 years ago.
The report said the dealer 'A' was arrested at a residence in Seoul for charges of illegal drug dealings in August of 2016. She admitted to the fact that she delivered 10 pieces of LSD to B.I outside iKON's dorm.
However, then YG Entertainment contacted the dealer 'A', and hired a lawyer to represent 'A' in her case. YG requested her to take back her previous statement regarding B.I.
Dispatch said police, then, ended their investigation into this case without summoning B.I for questioning.
Shortly after the accusation of purchasing and using illegal drugs, B.I released a letter of apology on his personal Instagram.
"First, I want to sincerely apologize for causing an issue of public criticism due to my extremely immoral actions." The singer said.
B.I also admitted to the accusation, "It's true that during a time when I was deeply struggling and miserable, I wanted to rely on something that I should never have shown interest in. However, even then, I was scared and terrified of it, and was unable to partake in it. "
"Nonetheless, I feel so embarrassed and apologetic toward my fans and my group members, who were undoubtedly hurt by me and disappointed in me the most, due to my immoral speech and word choice." He also decided to leave the team. "I humbly reflect on my mistakes and plan to leave the team."
YG Entertainment also confirmed B.I's departure from iKON,"We apologize that the problem regarding label artist Kim Han Bin (B.I) has caused disappointment. Kim Han Bin is feeling heavy responsibility for the impact of this recent issue, and he has decided to accept his withdrawal from the team and contract termination. YG is becoming aware of the responsibility we have to manage our artists. We apologize sincerely once again."
Meanwhile, The police has issued an official statement regarding the drugs case involving B.I, "We will initiate contact with 'A,' who shared KakaoTalk messages with B.I regarding drug purchases, and if there are any changes in the testimony given by 'A,' we will look into reopening the investigation."
The police also explained why they closed the case, "At the time, there was difficulty in finding objective evidence to verify the claims made about B.I other than the testimony given by 'A,' so we were unable to conduct the investigation"
Following the new scandal, YG’s stocks, on June 12, are priced at 31,950 won (approximately $27), 4.05% decrease from the previous day.
Due to the controversies involving Seungri and Yang Hyun Suk this past year, and now B.I's drug scandal, YG’s market capitalization fell from 834.7 billion won (approximately $705.6 million) in January to 581.4 billion won (approximately $491.5 million).
