Choi Jong-hoon, accused of gang rape, resumes activities in Japan... “Irrational number” voice

Singer Choi Jong-hoon (33), who was sentenced to prison on charges of gang rape, was spotted resuming his activities in Japan after five years.

According to the entertainment industry on the 15th, Choi recently created her own channel on Japan's largest fan community site 'FANICON' and said, "Greetings to you all after 5 years." He said, “I gained strength from the messages from each and every one of you and was able to show my healthy self like this. I am really grateful.” He added, “From now on, I want to show you everything about me, including what I want to do and my personal life. I can create a bright future with you all.” “I will do my best, so please support me. Please take good care of me,” he said.

Choi Jong-hoon appeared in public about five years after the sexual assault case became known, and about two years after he was released from prison after serving a prison sentence on charges of aggravated semi-rape.

Choi Jong-hoon's move to return is predominantly criticized by domestic fans as "irrational." Some say that it would be difficult for him, who was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of gang rape and distributing illegal footage, to live the life of a celebrity fueled by the love of the public. Choi Jong-hoon, conscious of this kind of attention, seems to be trying to open the door to activities in Japan, but entertainment industry analysis is that it will be difficult for him to rise to the mainstream even on the Japanese stage.

Choi Jong-hoon caused a huge controversy by being involved in the 'Burning Sun Gate' of former member of the group Big Bang, Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun). He was accused of intoxicating and gang-raping a woman with singer Jung Joon-young in January and March 2016, and distributing illegal footage on 11 occasions, including secretly sharing sex videos and photos taken in a group chat room for several months starting in late 20215. received.

In 2019, the first trial court sentenced him to five years in prison, but Choi Jong-hoon appealed. Afterwards, the sentence was reduced to 2 years and 6 months on appeal, and the Supreme Court confirmed it in September 2020. Choi Jong-hoon was released from prison on November 8, 2021, after serving 2 years and 6 months in prison.

Meanwhile, Jung Joon-young, who is serving a prison sentence on the same charges as Choi Jong-hoon, was sentenced to five years in prison and is currently serving his sentence. He is scheduled to be released in October 2025.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr