B.I is confirmed to be leaving the group iKON.
On June 12th, reports from Dispatch claimed that the young K-pop star and talented singer-songwriter had attempted to purchase drugs in 2016. According to their report, the accusations first came to light when “A” was taken into custody by police for drug charges. During the investigation, they discovered Kakao Talk messages (now revealed to the public by Dispatch) between “A” and B.I where they spoke about both using and purchasing drugs (specifically referring to LSD). However, the issue hasn’t come to light until now.
A representative from YG Entertainment then spoke to Dispatch on a phone call to deny the charges. They said that while “A” had in fact accused B.I of purchasing LSD from him, the company believed it was just an attempt from “A” to lessen his own crime. They met with “A” later on and asked him to correct his testimony. In his third interview with police, “A” then said that while B.I had asked for the drug, he didn’t end up getting any for him.
The company representative went on to state that their label orders a drug test from the U.S. every two months and administers the test. They stated that neither B.I nor the other iKON members had positive results when they were tested. A short while later, however, the company said they would need to confirm facts and would release a statement later on.
Shortly thereafter, B.I (real name Kim Hanbin) posted on his social media account to admit to part of the accusations. He said that while he had wanted to try these drugs during a difficult time in his life, he ultimately didn’t end up doing them due to fear. His statement is as follows (translation courtesy of SBS¹):
“I would like to sincerely apologize for stirring up trouble due to my tremendously inappropriate actions.
It is true that I wanted to rely on something that I shouldn’t have had any interest in due to going through a hard and painful time. However, I was too scared and fearful to do it.
Even so, I am so ashamed and apologetic to fans who were greatly disappointed and hurt because of my wrong words and actions. I intend to humbly self-reflect on my mistake and leave the team.
Once again, I bow my head down and sincerely apologize to fans and the members. I apologize.”
After his post, YG Entertainment confirmed the news that he would be leaving the group, as well as the agency. They apologized for disappointing everyone and said they have become aware of their responsibility to manage their idols well.
The very hasty decision for B.I to withdrawal from the group and company comes as a shock to fans who were still struggling with the initial accusations against the singer. While many netizens are now criticizing the company and artist, others are quick to come to B.I’s defense by reminding everyone this was an incident from three years ago when the now 22-year-old was still a teenager. In addition, they point out that B.I said he didn’t end up taking the drugs. As such, some fans have already begun a petition to bring him back to the group, while others are pouring out support on his social media.
Regardless of the truth of the matter since much remains unclear or unconfirmed, the label has stated that B.I has requested to terminate his contract— a large blow for the company who has already been under intense scrutiny over the past few months due to the allegations of criminal behavior by their former artist Seungri of BIGBANG. With B.I being one of their most successful songwriters and producers, in addition to being the leader of their popular group iKON, the damage will likely be seen in the coming days as the company’s stocks are expected to fall.
Media: YG Entertainment
Sources: Dispatch, SBS