The conflict between former member Sung Hoon and the group Brown Eyed Soul continues to escalate.
On the afternoon of the 7th, Sung Hoon posted a message stating, "I read the statement well. They claim I made personal attacks on members and their families. Please post exactly what personal attacks I made without editing."
Sung Hoon expressed his frustration, saying, "I've endured everything for 20 years. Do only you have families? Wasn't my family important too? If you proceed this way, I will also take any legal action. I will fight to the end for my honor, as you label the years of patience as mere madness. I will only speak the truth from now on."
Previously, Sung Hoon had shared a lengthy post stating, "I must clarify my position, albeit late. I did not decide to leave the group." He explained, "In 2022, I was waiting for the Brown Eyed Soul album recording. I was told that Naul's voice was not in good condition and didn't know when it would recover, so I waited and prayed. One morning, I found out through the internet that Naul's voice had returned and that a solo project was planned. The sorrow and anger I had suppressed for 20 years exploded."
Sung Hoon claimed that the agency even blocked him from running a YouTube channel, saying, "They told me to kneel and beg Naul if I wanted to continue. The thought that the members might not forgive me still hurts." He added, "The CEO suddenly came to my house with a withdrawal contract, demanding I sign it. I was in shock. I want to clarify that it wasn't my choice. I hope you understand that I wanted to protect it until the end."
Brown Eyed Soul's agency, Long Play Music, issued an official statement refuting Sung Hoon's claims. Long Play Music stated, "We inform you that many parts of the content posted by former member Sung Hoon on his personal SNS are not true."
The agency explained, "Due to the prolonged inactivity caused by the pandemic and a member's health issues, Sung Hoon experienced psychological difficulties and instability, undergoing professional counseling and treatment. During this process, he sent inappropriate messages to other members and their families, which the company found concerning. We repeatedly recommended treatment and rest. After a year with no change, we decided it was no longer sustainable and, after discussions with Sung Hoon, mutually agreed to terminate his contract and leave the team."
Sung Hoon left Brown Eyed Soul in March 2023. The group has since restructured as a trio with Naul, Young Jun, and Jung Yup, releasing their fifth studio album last month after six years. They are set to hold a year-end concert at Gocheok Sky Dome on December 24-25 and 27.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr