In a surprising turn of events, Kyoungyoon, a member of the popular K-pop group DKZ, has officially announced his departure. This decision comes roughly five months after a controversy surrounding his family’s alleged ties to the JMS cult.
I spent a lot of time thinking about it over the course of five months. After struggling with what was the best option for all the people I cared about, I concluded that I should let DKZ Kyoungyoon go
I hope Aris will understand my choice
— ㅎ (@yoonrangi) August 7, 2023
Until the day I can stand in front of you again, I hope everyone is healthy and happier than anyone else. And lastly, it was Kyung-yoon, who greeted you through DKZ. Thank you and I love you pic.twitter.com/ol3YVxcAvM
— ㅎ (@yoonrangi) August 7, 2023
Earlier this year, Kyoungyoon found himself at the center of a storm after the release of Netflix’s In The Name Of God: A Holy Betrayal. The documentary shone a light on the controversial JMS cult, revealing that Kyoungyoon‘s family had ties to it. They even operated a cafe associated with a church, Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God). While the initial response from DKZ‘s label, Dongyo Entertainment, was that Kyoungyoon‘s family was unaware of the church’s ties to the JMS cult, Kyoungyoon later opened up about his personal experiences. He shared harrowing details of being brainwashed and victimized by the cult. Despite being a victim, he faced significant backlash, leading him to issue a personal apology.
Let's save him until it's not too late, Kyoungyoon deserves the biggest apology from being harrased and threatened while he's also suffering. I can't afford to lose another pure soul :< pic.twitter.com/KVV5umiqkQ
— jae ლ (@dongkizinism) April 20, 2023
The controversy took a toll on Kyoungyoon‘s mental health, prompting him to take a hiatus in April to focus on his well-being. Fans hoped this break would be temporary, but recent developments suggest otherwise. On August 7, Dongyo Entertainment released an official statement on their fan community website. They informed fans that after a period of treatment and recovery, Kyoungyoon had engaged in extensive discussions with the agency about his future. The outcome? Kyoungyoon would be leaving DKZ to fulfill his mandatory military duties later this year.
Kyoungyoon penned a letter to fans
In a heartfelt and handwritten letter accompanying the announcement, Kyoungyoon expressed his feelings to fans. “For the past five months, I spent a lot of time contemplating,” he wrote. “After thinking about what would be the best option for the people I care about, I concluded that I should let go of DKZ’s Kyoungyoon. I hope fans will understand my decision.” He expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received during his time with DKZ.
The news of Kyoungyoon‘s departure has elicited a wave of reactions from fans and netizens. Many took to SNS to voice their feelings, sharing messages of support, love, and hope for Kyoungyoon‘s future. While some expressed their anger, sadness and shock, others understood his decision, given the circumstances.
the news is so heartbreaking, the day we all fear has come. i hope kyoungyoon is doing well and i respect his decision. i really dont know what to say as i am having mixed emotions rn but i'll definitely wait and continue to support kyoungyoon. we love you, kyoungyoon ❤️
— kaye (@_jongbear) August 7, 2023
Some idols do the worst shit and continue without any apology while still getting so much support but a victim who has apologized with tears, risked his life to open up for something he was born into and didnt have any control over gets bullied out of his group into the military.
— ren 🐯 D-322 🍉 STREAM LIKE A MOVIE (@Bebi__Munik) August 7, 2023
I can't do this anymore… stanning dkz is the easiest and at the same time the hardest thing to do 😭😭😭 the boys are the most lovely peaple in the universe so there's no problem in falling in love with them but at the same time my heart gets broken over and over again 😢😢😢
— shunkshu (@shunkshu) August 7, 2023
#KYOUNGYOON: Would it be enough when I could never give you peace?
Sending hugs to all my moots and to DKZ and Kyoungyoon. I'm so sorry we couldn't protect you, bub. We failed you, and I'll be damned if we failed the rest of them in DKZ. pic.twitter.com/IAfb3zkSsb
— REST. (@sonushiii) August 8, 2023
As DKZ continues its journey with five members, Kyoungyoon‘s decision to go serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges artists face. His story underscores the importance of mental well-being and the courage to make tough decisions. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans worldwide send their best wishes, hoping to see him return in good health and high spirits. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: He decided to leave after contemplating it. Source: Instagram/@kyoungyoon_dkz.