CNBLUE's Lee Jong-hyun's Recent Update: Why the Cold Reaction? - A Summary of the Jung Joon-young Group Chat Controversy and Debate

CNBLUE's Lee Jong-hyun shared an update on his life for the first time in eight years, revealing that he is working in the beauty marketing industry; however, negative views and public criticism are growing due to his involvement in the Jung Joon-young group chat controversy.

You have all likely heard the news that Lee Jong-hyun, formerly of CNBLUE, posted an update on social media for the first time in eight years. However, Does this person have the right to say such things right now? Criticism regarding this is growing louder. Let's examine the facts step by step to understand why this reaction is emerging. 😐

1. Return to Social Media After 8 Years: What Was the Content?

On August 10, Lee Jong-hyun posted on his SNS I left this account empty for 8 years as My account was hacked, so I have requested to edit my ID and profile text. ...posted a message saying... "There were a few years when I turned my back on the world. After that, I learned a job to try and make a living." He stated, "Although small, I have been working professionally in beauty marketing for 8 years, finding enjoyment in the process." He shared updates on his recent activities. He also released photos capturing his daily life as an office worker, such as scenes of him in meetings and examining products.

2. The reason the remark "doing beauty marketing" became controversial

The problem is the industry he revealed he works in. The beauty industry is one where the primary consumer base is women, yet the fact that Lee Jong-hyun was the subject of past controversies regarding misogynistic remarks and illegal filming is being brought up again. While Why specifically that industry? Reactions are pouring in.

especially "From now on, I will live communicating with more people as the human being Lee Jong-hyun." Regarding the sentence, Criticism that it is too confident and composed for a letter of apology There were a lot of them.

3. Revisiting the 2019 Jung Joon-young Group Chat Scandal

The core of the controversy at the time can be summarized based on the facts as follows.

March 2019 : Jung Joon-young shared illegally filmed material in a group chat Controversy spreads as a fact becomes known
At the same time : Lee Jong-hyun in that chat room Circumstances of exchanging remarks objectifying women Revealed through this media report (The messages reported at the time included expressions treating women like objects, such as "Hurry up and hand over a woman" and "I want someone young, pretty, and kind")
August 2019 : BJ Park Min-jeong Controversy reignited by revealing DMs presumed to be from Lee Jong-hyun's social media account
August 28, 2019 Lee Jong-hyun, through his agency Voluntary withdrawal from CNBLUE presentation

At the time, Lee Jong-hyun stated, "I deeply regret my mistake and will humbly accept the criticism and feedback from many people," but it is regrettable that there was no specific mention of the incident or a re-apology in this recent update post.

4. The Pouring of Criticism: What Reactions Emerge?

There was an overwhelming number of critical reactions on social media and online communities. To summarize and soften the tone, the content is roughly as follows.

"It is uncomfortable that someone who caused controversy with remarks about women has established themselves in an industry with a large number of female consumers."
Questions raised: "If he had truly repented, would he have been able to share his current status in such a confident tone?"
An expression of intent to boycott, stating, "I will not consume the product or brand once I become aware of it."
Criticism that "it appears to be a return intended for image laundering without sufficient explanation or a renewed apology following the controversy."

the other side You can't stop the professional activity itself, can you? Although there were minority opinions, the overall public opinion was It is not something to welcome. It was close to.

5. What is CNBLUE's current situation?

Since Lee Jong-hyun's departure, CNBLUE has continued its activities as a three-member group consisting of Jung Yong-hwa, Kang Min-hyuk, and Lee Jung-shin. It is also worth noting that the recent disclosure of Lee Jong-hyun's personal whereabouts is separate from group activities.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. Why did Lee Jong-hyun leave CNBLUE?

A. It was revealed that he had exchanged remarks objectifying women in the Jung Joon-young group chat incident in 2019, and as further controversy followed, he announced his voluntary withdrawal in August of the same year.

Q. Is it known exactly what Lee Jong-hyun is doing right now?

A. He/She stated that he/she has worked in marketing in the beauty industry for 8 years, but did not disclose the name of the company or specific job title.

Q. What is the public reaction to your recent update post?

A. Critical reactions were more prominent than welcoming ones. In particular, there is a lot of unfavorable sentiment given that the nature of past remarks overlaps with the consumer base of the industry I am currently working in.

Q. Is Lee Jong-hyun returning to the entertainment industry?

A. In this post, there was no mention of a return to the entertainment industry; it was more of a update stating that I am currently working in beauty marketing.