Shinhwa Faces Setbacks While g.o.d Thrives: A Tale of Two Iconic K-Pop Groups

The current status of two iconic K-pop groups from the same era has diverged significantly. Shinhwa faces challenges in performing as a complete group due to one member's controversies, while g.o.d continues to thrive, consistently performing as a full group and maintaining their status as original idols.

Shinhwa member Shin Hye-sung was edited out of MBC's broadcast. On the October 26th episode of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star,' Lee Min-woo, who is set to marry in March next year, appeared as a guest. During the show, Lee mentioned that all Shinhwa members would attend his wedding, yet the footage used showed only five members instead of six, excluding Shin Hye-sung from both the images and captions.

Similarly, KBS 2TV's 'Mr. House Husband Season 2' made a comparable decision. In a 2023 broadcast, past footage of Shinhwa's activities was used, with Shin Hye-sung's image blurred. In October 2022, Shin was arrested for driving another person's car under the influence in Seoul's Songpa District. He refused a breathalyzer test multiple times and was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year. KBS initially imposed a temporary ban on his appearances, which became permanent following his conviction.

Shin Hye-sung has been involved in several controversies over the years. In April 2007, he was charged with DUI, with a blood alcohol level of 0.097%, which is above the legal limit. He was also involved in an overseas gambling scandal, having gambled five times in Macau from July 2007 to April 2008, spending over 140 million won, resulting in a fine of 10 million won. These incidents have significantly hindered Shinhwa's ability to perform as a complete group.

In contrast, g.o.d remains strong as a complete group and is set to end the year with their fans. They will hold a solo concert at the KSPO DOME in Seoul's Songpa District, marking their fourth consecutive year performing as a full group. The Seoul concert will feature a 360-degree stage, similar to last year, with members Son Ho-young and Kim Tae-woo co-directing to infuse the performance with g.o.d's unique style.

All five performances, three in Seoul and two in Busan, are sold out. The KSPO DOME is a venue typically reserved for current popular idols, showcasing g.o.d's enduring appeal even after 26 years. They continue to engage with the public as active artists rather than merely relying on nostalgia.

The contrasting fortunes of these two groups, once active contemporaries, are stark. While Shinhwa's activities as a complete group are hindered by one member's repeated controversies, g.o.d continues to prove their presence as a group, with all members performing together. As time passes, the difference in their trajectories becomes increasingly pronounced.

By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr