Hwarang, member of the 4th generation K-Pop group TEMPEST, will be temporarily stepping down from his group activities. Announced by Yuehua Entertainment on March 6, the decision comes in the wake of a controversy that has rapidly unfolded across social media platforms, casting a shadow over the idol’s personal life and by extension, the group’s forthcoming activities.
The controversy started after Hwarang was spotted at a club by a fan. He was seen alongside other known 4th generation stars including Junhyuk of MIRAE, Hyunseung of YOUNITE, Bomin of Golden Child, and Hyunsoo of TNX. The fan decided to reveal the news to Hwarang during a video call fan siging event, which led to an uncomfortable confrotration with the star.
Despite Hwarang’s attempts to downplay the situation by highlighting his affinity for music and denying any misconduct, the interaction left fans feeling betrayed and questioning the idol’s integrity.
Fan: TBH, during the rest time, I saw oppa at the club.
Hwarang: Oh really?
Fan: Yeah.
Hwarang: Did we meet there? Were you the one I met? Well, since I didn’t do anything bad… I like music.
Fan: Seems like you like exciting music.
Hwarang: I definitely never hung out with girls. I don’t have any intention of turning fans into fools.
화랑아 화랑아 템페스트 화랑아~
클럽에 노래 들으러 간다던 템페스트 화랑아~#템페스트 #화랑 @TPST__official pic.twitter.com/1nkzddCQth— 😆 (@5O7BlABWxF22599) February 19, 2024
The ensuing backlash has prompted Yuehua Entertainment to engage in serious discussions regarding Hwarang’s future with TEMPEST. Acknowledging the difficulty in restoring public trust and maintaining team cohesion, the agency has opted to suspend Hwarang’s activities, thus excluding him from the lineup for TEMPEST’s fifth mini album, TEMPEST Voyage.
Following the recent issues related to Hwarang’s personal life that came to light via social media, we have engaged in deep discussions about his future activities. Through this process, Hwarang was unable to regain trust, and we have judged that it is difficult to continue full team activities under these circumstances.
After much deliberation, we have decided to temporarily suspend Hwarang’s activities. Therefore, Tempest’s fifth mini album ‘TEMPEST Voyage’ will proceed with the remaining six members excluding Hwarang.
We ask for your understanding in advance for any pre-recorded or produced content that may feature Hwarang and apologize again for causing concern to the fans with this sudden news.
We urge everyone to refrain from baseless speculation and indiscriminate criticism, and ask for your warm support and encouragement for the members of Tempest who are preparing for the activities of ‘TEMPEST Voyage’.
— Yuehua Entertainment
Hwarang’s visit to the club (as an adult born in 2001) is not inherently problematic, but the controversy has been fueled by unverified rumors and the implication of other idols. Meanwhile, TEMPEST Voyage set for release on March 11, marks the group’s highly anticipated return after a six-month hiatus.
Source: TenAsia
