'You said you wouldn't use SNS...' Lee Jong-hyun of the 'Jung Joon-young group chat' boldly posts recent photos [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jong-hyun, formerly of the band CNBLUE, revealed his current status for the first time in eight years and then appeared on social media just 13 days after declaring he would cease all SNS activities.

On the 24th, Lee posted photos showing him dining at what appears to be a Korean barbecue restaurant, dressed casually.

The post also included the caption: "It was so delicious that they kept grilling for me."

Lee gained notoriety in 2019 when he was identified as a member of the so-called 'Jung Joon-young group chat.' Inappropriate remarks and actions exchanged in the KakaoTalk chat room were made public, drawing widespread criticism. He also underwent police investigation regarding the incident.

As a result, Lee left CNBLUE. At the time, he apologized, saying, "I sincerely apologize again to everyone who was hurt by my inappropriate words and actions and to all those who were deeply disappointed." He added, "I feel ashamed and have no face to show the fans who trusted me for letting them down."

Later, on the 10th, Lee posted a lengthy message on his SNS: "This is Lee Jong-hyun. I have left this account empty for eight years." He explained, "My account was hacked, and I am still requesting changes to my ID and profile description. There were several years when I turned my back on the world. Since then, I've learned how to work in order to live again."

He continued, "For the past eight years, I have found enjoyment in beauty marketing and have been working professionally in this field," confirming his current involvement in beauty-related marketing.

Regarding his daily life, Lee stated, "I attend meetings, examine products, and ponder how to do things better. I leave in the morning and return at night. I've come to realize how difficult it is to live an ordinary working life." He added, "I think everyone is incredibly amazing. From now on, as a human being named Lee Jong-hyun, I will communicate with more people and live happily. Have a wonderful day."

On the 11th, Lee further wrote, "I want to share something I have kept in my heart for a long time. Although I was once a member of CNBLUE, due to my inappropriate words and immaturity, I left the team and lived at a distance from the world. It has now been eight years since then. Because of my past actions, the team and members suffered unwanted misunderstandings and criticism, which I have always carried as a heavy burden on my heart. Some fans who cared for me back then may have thought that I was rejected by the other members, but this is entirely untrue. It has always pained me that the members were hurt against their will because of this."

He continued, "My decision to leave the team was entirely my own fault and choice, and I must bear the responsibility for it. Since leaving the entertainment industry, my personal life has also faced many trials. Although I started a family, we are currently in the process of parting ways for each other's paths. However, now I want to face my past mistakes without evasion and live openly as a human being."

Lee emphasized, "This post is by no means written for a return to the entertainment industry. To prevent unconfirmed rumors or misunderstandings from arising regarding certain brands and business matters related to my current work as an ordinary person, I have gathered the courage to write this. I sincerely apologize to and express gratitude toward CNBLUE members who may have suffered due to unnecessary misunderstandings over a long period, and I aim to correct these wrong perceptions."

He further stated, "Due to shame over my past actions and a sense of responsibility, I chose to leave the entertainment industry and live cut off from the world. Since leaving, my personal life has also faced many challenges. However, now I want to face my past mistakes without evasion and live openly as a human being." He concluded, "With this post, I will no longer engage in any further SNS activities or additional communication. I am returning completely to an ordinary non-celebrity life, reflecting on my past, and striving to live a respectable, responsible life that does not bring shame to society. Once again, I sincerely apologize to and thank everyone who cared for me despite my shortcomings, as well as the members. I hope everyone stays healthy and safe." Thus, he declared his complete withdrawal from public life.

Subsequently, Lee modified his post. Notably, a previous statement mentioning marriage and divorce—"Although I started a family, we are currently in the process of parting ways for each other's paths"—was removed, drawing attention.

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*This content was translated by AI.