Drama with the Monsta X members: The Wonho scandal

For fans of the K-pop group Monsta X, the drama regarding the removal of member Wonho continues on. It’s definitely a pretty twisty affair that led to protests during the removal process for Wonho and, recently, outrage that Monsta X members were still associating with their ousted bandmate.

So why is this drama going on? Why are we angry at this Wonho person? Well here’s everything you need to know about the Monsta X Wonho scandal.

What did Wonho do?

Wonho is formerly one of the vocalists for Monsta X. He was kicked out of the group in late 2019. What did he do? Well, apparently, Wonho was smoking marijuana and has some pretty outstanding debts. 

The debts came to life when South Korean TV personality Jung Dae-eun tweeted to social media: “Wonho, when are you going to pay me back my money?”

Wonho’s agency, Starship Entertainment, rejected these allegations. That’s when Jun Dae-eun revealed that Wonho had been incarcerated in a youth detention center in the past for theft. She then said that Wonho stole from her. 

Apparently, Jung Dae-eun’s items were seen on a second-hand online auction website where a friend saw and alerted her to their presence. The number associated with contact was Wonho’s.

Jung Dae-eun also said that back in 2013 that Wonho smoked marijuana with her at the Burning Sun nightclub, which is having some serious scandals of its own. An executive for the club, currently being detained in connection with the drugs, rape, and prostitution scandals, backed up Jung Dae-eun’s story. 

Then Wonho was kicked out of Monsta X?

Yes, Wonho was kicked out of Monsta X. Or, well, not kicked out. He left Monsta X. Wonho apologized to fans in a handwritten letter, writing, “Although I have some immature moments and faults, I tried hard not to become ashamed of myself after I debuted as an idol trainee.”

In an interview site called Dispatch, Wonho explained his reasons for leaving the band.

“I didn’t want to see Monsta X break apart because of me. I thought the group could be saved if I left the group as soon as possible.”

He would again apologize to fans in this interview, “I promised so much to fans and said I’d always be by their side. It’s regrettable that I had to leave this way. I can’t forget my fans still and all I have is regret, like I should’ve done better? I just want to say ‘sorry.’”

By March 2020, Wonho has been cleared of any drug charges by the police. 

So why are people angry now? 

Wonho was seen dining with his former Monsta X members. It caused another minor scandal within the fan community. Hyungwon, a member of Monsta X, would apologize to fans about this in a letter to them.

He wrote (translated by AllKPop.com) the following:

“I think there are a lot of MONBEBEs who can’t sleep at this late hour because of me, which is why I’m leaving this post. Firstly, I want to say that I’m really sorry to MONBEBE. Whatever the reason, in the end, it was because we became complacent. Things are rough in many ways these days, but we are always trying to show our best sides. 

We are incredibly sorry and apologize for not being able to do so. In the future, we will work harder and become more careful so we don’t cause MONBEBE to have a hard time. 

Please watch over us as we reflect and fix our faults. I’ve realized a lot while writing this. I am worried about more misunderstandings happening, but I couldn’t just stay still after seeing the comments. This is a space for MONBEBE and MONSTA X but because of us, many people are having a hard time and seeing this makes my heart hurt. 

My post may not fix everything, but I leave it here with a careful heart hoping that you won’t hurt anymore. We are lacking in many ways and aren’t perfect, but we will make MONBEBEs proud. I wish everyone sleeps well tonight and isn’t hurting. Please stay strong again today MONBEBE.”

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