Lee Jong-hyun, apology 8 years after 'Jung Joon-young incident'.. 'Divorce' omitted from reposted post [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jong-hyun, formerly of the band CNBLUE, shared news for the first time in eight years after leaving the entertainment industry following controversies over his membership in the 'Jung Joon-young KakaoTalk group chat.' Lee posted a lengthy apology and update on his divorce status, but shortly afterward deleted the post and reposted new content. The newly posted message omitted any mention of "divorce."

On the 11th, Lee Jong-hyun published a lengthy post on his personal social media account.

Lee stated, "I want to share something I have kept in my heart for a long time. I was once a member of CNBLUE, but due to my immaturity, I left the team and

have lived apart from the world for nearly eight years. Even while living as a non-celebrity during this time, I have always carried the burden of knowing that my past actions led to unwanted misunderstandings and criticism against the team and its members. Some fans who cared for me back then may have thought I was rejected by the members, but this is entirely untrue, and it has always pained me that the members were hurt by this. Due to my personal embarrassments and mistakes that I could not fully explain at the time, I feared that staying in the team would cause even greater harm and leave a stain on it. Leaving the team was entirely my fault and choice, and I knew I had to bear the responsibility."

Lee continued, "Out of shame for my actions at the time and a sense of responsibility, I chose to leave the entertainment industry and live in isolation from the world. Since leaving the industry, my personal life has also faced many trials. However, now I want to face my past mistakes without avoidance and live openly as an ordinary person." He added, "This post is by no means written for a return to the entertainment industry. It aims to prevent false rumors or damage related to specific brands and business ventures involving my current work as a non-celebrity and a member of society. Some brands and products mentioned on social media currently have no direct connection with me."

He further said, "I also sincerely apologize to the CNBLUE members who suffered from unnecessary misunderstandings for a long time, and I wrote this post to correct those wrong perceptions. The members and CNBLUE gave me my brightest and most beautiful memories during my immature days, creating precious moments that I will always cherish. I will continue to genuinely support them forever. I will carry this gratitude and regret deep in my heart for the rest of my life," officially apologizing to his former bandmates after eight years.

Finally, Lee Jong-hyun declared, "With this post, I will no longer engage in any further social media activity or additional communication. I am now returning completely to an ordinary non-celebrity life, reflecting on my past and striving to live a responsible, upright life that does not bring shame to society. To everyone who cared for me despite my shortcomings and to the members, I sincerely apologize once again and express my deepest gratitude. I hope you are all healthy and at peace," formally announcing his complete departure from public life.

Originally, the first post included a reference to marriage and divorce: "Although I started a family, we are currently in the process of parting ways for each other's paths." However, this content was deleted, drawing attention.

Lee Jong-hyun came under controversy in 2019 when he was identified as a member of the so-called 'Jung Joon-young KakaoTalk group chat.' Inappropriate remarks and behavior exchanged in the KakaoTalk chat room were made public, leading to criticism and police investigation. Following this, Lee resigned from CNBLUE. At the time, he apologized, saying, "I sincerely apologize again to those who were hurt by my inappropriate words and actions and to all fans who were greatly disappointed. I feel ashamed and unworthy of having let down the fans who trusted me."

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*This content was translated by AI.