Lee Jong-hyun, Formerly of CNBLUE, Reveals Divorce, Addresses Group Exit After 8-Year Hiatus

Lee Jong-hyun (이종현), a former member of K-pop band CNBLUE, recently updated his social media after an eight-year hiatus from the entertainment industry, following his involvement in the "Burning Sun" scandal and other controversies. Over two consecutive days, he shared insights into his life. On August 10, he discussed his life after leaving the industry, and on August 11, he posted again, for the first time addressing his feelings about leaving the group. He also revealed changes in his personal life, stating he is "currently sorting out their respective paths," drawing significant attention.

Lee Jong-hyun stated that he was once a member of CNBLUE but chose to leave the group due to "inappropriate conduct and immaturity," subsequently living a life distanced from the public for eight years. He mentioned that despite living as an ordinary person during this period, he constantly carried the guilt from his past actions. "Because of my past, the group and its members endured unnecessary misunderstandings and criticism, which has always been a burden on my heart."

Lee Jong-hyun specifically addressed his departure from the group, noting that some supportive fans might have believed at the time that "the members ostracized me." He emphasized that this was entirely untrue, and instead, the misunderstandings caused unnecessary harm to the CNBLUE members, which still saddens him today.

Discussing his decision to leave the group, he admitted that there were "unmentionable personal shames and mistakes" he couldn't fully disclose at the time. He feared that remaining in the group would bring greater harm and tarnish CNBLUE's reputation. He stressed, "Leaving the group was entirely my mistake and my choice; the responsibility should be borne by me alone." It was due to his shame over his past inappropriate conduct and the need to face the consequences that he ultimately chose to voluntarily leave the entertainment industry and isolate himself from the public.

After leaving the entertainment industry, Lee Jong-hyun's personal life also experienced significant upheaval. He revealed that he had formed a family but is currently "sorting out their respective paths," which has been interpreted as undergoing divorce proceedings. However, Lee Jong-hyun stated that he no longer wishes to evade past mistakes and hopes to confront everything head-on. "As an individual, I want to re-enter the world and live with dignity."

Notably, he emphasized that this post was not an attempt to return to the entertainment industry. Lee Jong-hyun explained that as he currently works as an ordinary person, some unverified rumors and misunderstandings have recently emerged regarding specific brands and businesses he is involved with. He decided to make this public statement to clarify the facts.

He also reiterated his apologies and gratitude to the CNBLUE members, stating that they have long been affected by unnecessary misunderstandings, and he hopes this opportunity will help reveal the truth.

In fact, Lee Jong-hyun had only just broken his eight-year social media silence on August 10 to share his recent activities. He revealed that he had chosen to "turn his back on the world" for several years. Afterward, to restart his life, he began learning a trade and has spent the past eight years working in beauty-related marketing, gradually finding his interest and now professionally pursuing this field.

He also shared photos of himself working like a regular office worker, remarking, "Only now do I realize how difficult it is to work and live ordinarily, and I think everyone is truly amazing." He expressed a desire to interact and live with more people in the future as "Lee Jong-hyun, the human being."

Lee Jong-hyun debuted in 2010 as a member of the four-member band CNBLUE. However, in 2019, he became embroiled in a major controversy involving Jung Joon-young’s (정준영) illegal hidden camera videos and related group chat. It was revealed that he had participated in Jung Joon-young’s group chats, and some inappropriate remarks concerning women were exposed, leading to strong public criticism.

Approximately five months after the scandal erupted, Lee Jong-hyun faced further controversy when it was revealed he had sent private messages to AfreecaTV BJ Park Min-jung (박민정), including messages like "Your belly fat is so cute," which were widely considered sexually harassing. Ultimately, in 2019, he announced his voluntary withdrawal from CNBLUE and has remained out of the entertainment industry since.