Former CNBLUE member Lee Jong Hyun has shared a lengthy personal statement addressing his departure from the group, his life away from the entertainment industry, and misunderstandings involving the remaining members.
On August 11, Lee Jong Hyun posted a message on his social media account, beginning with, “I would like to share something that I have kept in my heart for a long time.”
Reflecting on his past, Lee Jong Hyun acknowledged responsibility for the circumstances surrounding his departure from CNBLUE.
He wrote, “I was once a member of CNBLUE, but because of my inappropriate words, actions, and immaturity, I left the group and have lived away from the public for eight years.”
Lee Jong Hyun also addressed claims that he had been abandoned or pushed away by his former bandmates. According to him, his departure was his own decision rather than something forced by the other members.
“Some fans who cared for me at the time may have thought that the members turned their backs on me, but that is absolutely not true,” he stated.
He continued, “Leaving the team was entirely the result of my own mistakes and my own choice, and the responsibility was also mine to bear.”
Lee Jong Hyun explained that he chose to step away from entertainment because he felt remaining in the group could cause further difficulties for CNBLUE and its members.
He also briefly revealed changes in his personal life since leaving the industry. According to Lee Jong Hyun, he had started a family but is now going through the process of ending that chapter of his life.
“After leaving the entertainment industry, my personal life also went through several difficulties. I built a family, but we are now in the process of going our separate ways,” he shared.
Despite speaking publicly again, Lee Jong Hyun made it clear that the statement should not be viewed as preparation for an entertainment comeback.
“This post was absolutely not written for my return to the entertainment industry,” he emphasized.
He explained that he currently lives as a private citizen and decided to speak out because of unverified rumors involving businesses and brands connected to his current work.
Lee Jong Hyun also apologized to the CNBLUE members for any criticism or misunderstandings they may have faced because of his past actions.
“I sincerely apologize to and thank the CNBLUE members who may have suffered because of unnecessary misunderstandings for a long time, and I wanted to correct those misunderstandings,” he said.
Lee Jong Hyun debuted as a member of CNBLUE in 2010 and participated in popular releases including I’m a Loner and Love Light, while also pursuing acting activities.
He left CNBLUE in 2019 following public controversy surrounding his conduct and reports involving private online conversations. Since then, he has largely remained outside the entertainment industry.
