'Mental issues': Kang Sung-hoon leaves Sechskies amid slew of controversies

Kang Sung-hoon is leaving Sechskies amid fraud allegations. Yonhap

By Lee Min-young

Controversial first-generation boy group Sechskies member Kang Sung-hoon has announced he will leave the band.

On Jan. 1, Kang posted a statement on his fan cafe that he had come to an agreement with YG Entertainment to terminate his contract as of Dec. 31, which will also put an end to his activities as a Sechskies member.

He wrote he had mental issues and it was unclear when he would be able to make a comeback. "I decided to leave the group as uncertainties regarding my return are pushing back Sechskies' activities indefinitely, putting other members as well in a difficult situation," he wrote.

He apologized for disappointing fans who have been waiting for his comeback after a long hiatus, and also to band members for the damage done by recent controversies.

Kang made headlines for a slew of controversies, including allegations of dating a fan and embezzling donation money collected through fan events. Legal proceedings are under way over the allegations. Earlier last year, Kang also was accused of borrowing some 140 million won from an acquaintance in 2010 and not repaying it.

YG Entertainment later confirmed that he was leaving and wished him the best for the future.

Sechskies will continue with four members: Eun Ji-won, Lee Jae-jin, Kim Jae-duk and Jang Su-won.