BOYS24 member Hwayoung is at the center of massive controversy after a leaked audio clip has him berating fans.
In the leaked audio, Hwayoung talks about how he hates being called “oppa” by fans. While the initial statement could be considered rude but harmless, he goes on to mercilessly attack fans and describes how he hates hi-touch events that occur after concerts.
BOYS24 was created to be the successors to girl group I.O.I and debuted through their own male version of CJ E&M‘s reality show, Produce 101.The group was separated into four units by CJ E&M with Hwayoung being placed in the “Sky” unit.
Hwayoung was first a trainee at SM Entertainment, though he left the company soon afterward.
Since the clip was leaked, BOYS24 has made an official statement through their agency, CJ E&M about the group. The statement reveals that Hwayoung will not be attending the groups next event on Friday, February 10th.
I like being called oppa, not when I hear it from fans though, I fucking hate that. Ya, Fuck. It’s so annoying when we do the Hi-Touch.
You know, the Hi-Touch? Like when you hold hands and greet fans after the concert is over. Everyday I go through like 700~800 people and I feel like I’m going to puke.
Their fucking breath smells like shit.
— Hwayoung
Listen to the audio clip in full below:
여러분 한번씩 들어봐주세요. 소년화영군이 팬들을 기만하고 모욕하는 음성본입니다. https://t.co/wRXeTW8UzZ #이화영 #소년화영 #소년24 #hwayoung pic.twitter.com/owMYRZsxes
— DC INSIDE 소년24 갤러리 (@boys27_1) February 8, 2017
Read what CJ E&M had to say about the issue below:
This is a note of apology from CJ E&M / LIVEWORKS COMPANY to the people who love BOYS24.
First, we sincerely apologize to everyone who was shocked and dismayed because of the news from the Internet last night.
Especially, we really do apologize to the fans who have loved and supported ‘BOYS24’ and its concert at ‘BOYS24 Hall’ since the <BOYS24> premiered last year.
All the while, we recognized the problem of Hwayoung and his privacy issue and we worried that this would heavily tarnish the image of BOYS24. So, we have repeatedly warned him and have tried to give him a chance to redeem himself.
But despite it all, Hwayoung, as written on the various social media outlets and Internet message board today, brought fans to grief and made them disappointed again.
Therefore, we understood the gravity of the situation and held an emergency meeting. And discussions about him and his issue are in progress.
We will state our official position on the issue next week, and I beg to inform you that Hwayoung will not appear on ‘BOYS24 LIVE Concert’ from Friday, February 10th.
Lastly, to all those who have believed in and supported BOYS24, we apologize again from the bottom of our heart for this problem. Thank you.
— CJ E&M
