"In relation with this case, the judgment has been made that we can no longer maintain our contract with Wonho and terminated our contract with Wonho as of November 1, 2019."
K-Pop Group Monsta X's Wonho (real name Lee Ho-seok) parted away from his agency, Starship Entertainment, following the withdrawal from the team. It was found out that he was in suspicion of smoking marijuana in the past, and the police investigation has been underway.
Starship responded to the suspicion, "Regarding the report released on [November] 1, Wonho did get his luggage and body examined at the airport after returning from the concert in Germany in September 2019, but it was a simple process, and we were informed that it is part of the customs inspection. We were not notified separately of an investigation, and we were not aware at all of Wonho being under investigation, of the suspicions of marijuana use in 2013, and that an investigation is undergoing."
Eventually, the two parties' trust was broken and the agency made a decision of terminating the contract immediately. The company wrote, "In relation with this case, the judgment has been made that we can no longer maintain our contract with Wonho and terminated our contract with Wonho as of November 1, 2019." It also added, "We feel heavy responsibility for causing trouble to many people due to the current situation, and we will work to fulfill our responsibility until the end so that he can diligently participate in the investigation. We once again apologize to the fans who sincerely cherish MONSTA X. We apologize."
On November 1st, one media reported, "Monsta X's Wonho, Suspicion of Taking Marijuna based on Jung Da Eun's Testimony for 2013". Jung Dae-eun testified that Wonho had allegations of smoking marijuana. The media reconstructed what happened at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul in 2013, based on interviews with Jung Da Eun and Jo of Club Burning Sun. Jung Da Eun appeared with Wonsho at "Ulzzang Shi Dae".
According to Jung, Wonho showed Jung the weed and he went to Jung-eun's house and smoked them. Jung Dae-eun said, "Wonho pulled out the zipper bag at the cafe near the house and contained cannabis in it." Mr. Cho said, "When I was looking for the belt in the dressing room, a man came in and Jung called himHo Seok." "Two talked about cannabis and soon after that, the smell of cannabis came even to my room."
The police, who secured the statements of Jung Da-eun and Jo, were reportedly undergoing drug tests when Monsta X returned from September performance in Germany. The police reportedly stated they were "investigating" without revealing drug reaction tests. The media reported, "In case of alleged drug administration, the statute of limitations is seven years. Jung-eun and Jo's testimony about marijuana smoking dates in October 2013. It's a year left now. "
Jung Da-eun and her friend Han Seo-hee have continued their revelations on the Monsta X's Wonho through Instagram from October 29th. "I know what you did in 2008," Jung wrote, revealing his past and the debt. Han Seo-hee also participated in the revelation. Here is not the end. Han Seo-hee released in her Instagram DM, which Jung Da-eun received from a netizen through her Instagram. The DM caused a controversy it exposes his wife A's alleged inadequate relationship with Shownu.
Starship Entertainment officially announced the withdrawal of Wonho last month. Starship wrote, "After a long discussion with Monsta X's member Wonho, we have agreed that it's best to part ways amicably at this point" The statement continued, "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."
Wonho also released saying, "I am announcing that I am leaving MONSTA X today." "Please give strength to Monsta X. The members are not related to what I am going through. Please send cheers and encouragement to my members," added the singer.
In regards to Shownu, the Starship released the statement, "Shownu was in contact with the woman in question prior to her marriage. The woman got married recently around August, but our agency confirmed that Shownu did not know at all because the woman did not tell Shownu. 'Her husband contacted the agency, so we met up with him, and the whole story was explained. Afterwards, Shownu, who belatedly found out about her marriage, no longer contacted this woman at all. Shownu revealed that he would not get involved in the matters of a married couple's relationship, and a text was sent via the law firm to confirm this stance." It added, "Regardless of the situation, we express apologies for causing emotional pain to the involved individuals and bringing trouble to fans. Furthermore, as an agency with the duty to protect our artists, we ask for your understanding of the possibility that we may inevitably take legal action regarding excessive misunderstandings and speculations."
