Park Jun-hwan has voluntarily left the group IDID.
Starship Entertainment announced on their official account on the 2nd, stating, "We would like to inform you about Park Jun-hwan's departure from 'Debut Plan'."
Starship clarified, "The rumors circulating online about Park Jun-hwan are completely false. We have verified through his entire academic record and statements from relevant parties that Park Jun-hwan is a diligent and responsible student."
They further explained, "We have identified activities from anonymous open chat rooms and accounts impersonating classmates, and have obtained objective evidence to determine these as impersonations. Due to baseless rumors, malicious slander, and continuous negative comments, Park Jun-hwan, a minor, has been experiencing severe mental distress, which has recently affected his daily life."
The agency continued, "Despite efforts to aid his psychological recovery through consultations with professional medical staff, Park Jun-hwan expressed a sincere desire to step down from team activities. We respect his decision and have decided to give him ample time to rest. We will continue to provide unwavering support for Park Jun-hwan to recover his health and pursue new dreams outside of IDID."
Starship concluded, "We will take legal action against the initial disseminators and related parties. Online sexual harassment and defamation against minors are serious crimes, and we will not overlook them. Although he did not debut, we ask for your understanding and support for Park Jun-hwan's decision."
Meanwhile, IDID is a rookie group confirmed to debut as an eight-member team through Starship's debut project 'Debut Plan'. They gained attention even before debut as the 'younger brother group of IVE' and 'Jang Won-young's brother group'.
Park Jun-hwan, a former youth baseball player, advanced to the final stage as a trainee within five months and was additionally accepted in the final episode with 'Board SAVE'. However, due to personal life-related revelations, he ultimately left the team before debut.
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr