Jung Il-hoon leaves BTOB over marijuana allegations

Jung Il-hoon of K-pop boy band BTOB has left the group following allegations he smoked marijuana. Korea Times file

By Dong Sun-hwa

K-pop boy band BTOB's rapper Jung Il-hoon left the group Thursday after police concluded that he had repeatedly smoked marijuana for years.

“Jung deeply regrets that he has broken the fans' trust and failed them. He also feels a strong responsibility for this and does not want to damage the group's reputation anymore,” Jung's agency Cube Entertainment said.

“After having a discussion with Jung, we decided to respect and follow his decision. As of Thursday, Jung quit BTOB. The band will continue its musical activity as a six-member group (comprising Seo Eun-kwang, Lee Min-hyuk, Lee Chang-sub, Im Hyun-sik, Peniel Shin and Yook Sung-jae).”

The company apologized over the case, saying it also “feels a sense of grave responsibility” and will continue to cooperate with investigators.

In July, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency concluded that Jung smoked marijuana for years after buying the drug with cryptocurrency. The prosecution is reviewing the case. It may take some time because Jung is now in the military, which he joined in May before the end of a police investigation ― a move that drew much criticism.

He debuted as a BTOB member in 2012 with the single “Insane.” The act released several hits including “Missing You” (2017) and “Only One for Me” (2018).

Jung also participated in the creative process of the group's tracks including “Movie” (2017).