Monsta X's Kihyun apologizes over 'immature behavior' after bullying allegations
K-pop boy band Monsta X member Kihyun / Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
K-pop boy band Monsta X's Kihyun apologized Friday for his “immature behavior,” four days after he was accused of bullying his classmate when he was in middle school.
Kihyun, 27, issued an apology after his agency Starship Entertainment defended him against the bullying accusations brought up by a victim who attended the same school. The accuser claimed that Kihyun bullied him and extorted money from him. The accuser presented psychiatric medical records as evidence of the suffering he endured.
“I want to offer my sincere apologies to people who were hurt by my immature attitude and behavior in the past,” Kihyun wrote on Monsta X's online fan community. “I am also sorry to my fans for causing worries.
“When I was in middle school, I did not devote myself to studying and did things that were inappropriate as a student. I still feel guilty about that and have no excuses at all. I am sorry for failing you ― I will reflect upon myself deeply.”
Following the accusations on Feb. 22, Kihyun's agency disclosed his school records and said, “Most of Kihyun's classmates told us he did not bully anyone.” In the school records, Kihyun is described as “considerate” and “good-natured.” The agency threatened to take legal action anyone spreading lies and false information.
Kihyun, whose surname is Yoo, debuted as a member of Monsta X with the album “Trespass” in 2015. The band has released a series of hits including “Dramarama” (2017).
Kihyun is not the only K-pop idol to issue an apology over past misconduct. Hyunjin of K-pop boy band Stray Kids, represented by JYP Entertainment, also apologized Friday after a person claimed online that he verbally abused her when he was a middle school student.