Choi Minhwan is making his much-anticipated return to the Korean music scene with FTISLAND’s upcoming solo concert, ‘2025 FTISLAND LIVE ‘MAD HAPPY’’, scheduled for August 23 and 24 at Seoul’s Blue Square SOL Theater.
This will be FTISLAND’s first domestic solo concert in nearly a year, marking a significant moment as it officially confirms Choi’s comeback alongside bandmates Lee Hongki and Lee Jaejin.
Choi’s return comes after a period of personal controversy following his divorce from former LABOUM member Yulhee, with whom he shares three children.
The controversy escalated when Yulhee shared an audio clip suggesting that Choi had visited adult entertainment venues, which triggered public backlash and led Choi to temporarily halt his activities, including stepping down from a family variety show he had been a part of.
Although he was later cleared of prostitution allegations due to insufficient evidence, the scandal significantly impacted his public image.
Choi has expressed frustration about the situation, emphasizing that he refrained from commenting extensively to avoid worsening the issue.
He clarified that his visits to hotels and motels were solitary attempts to clear his mind, denying any wrongdoing, but some parts of the audio clip remain unexplained, keeping public skepticism alive.
During his hiatus from domestic activities, FTISLAND continued as a duo with Lee Hongki and Lee Jaejin, although Choi gradually resumed performing overseas, rejoining the band’s Japan concerts in March.
Now, as he prepares for his full-scale return to the Korean stage, fan reactions are mixed. Some express excitement about seeing the band reunited, while others remain uncertain or cautious given the lingering controversy.
Despite the divided public opinion, Choi’s comeback concert signals a significant step in his efforts to rebuild his career and reconnect with fans.
This concert represents not just a musical event but also an emotional milestone for both Choi Minhwan and FTISLAND, offering a chance to move forward amidst personal challenges and public scrutiny.
Whether Choi can regain his previous standing and fully win back public support remains to be seen, but his return undoubtedly marks a new chapter for the artist and the band.
