It has been several years but B.I. is still affected by the past. The former iKON member has finally addressed his 2019 drug controversy that led to his expulsion from the group. Kim Hanbin also apologized to his supporters for his “wrong judgements and choices.”
B.I. Finally Opens Up About Drug Controversy, Issues Apology For ‘Wrong Judgements and Choices’
On June 1, B.I. attended a media showcase for his second studio album ‘TO DIE FOR’ at Shinhan Play Square Live Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Kim Hanbin was notably nervous during a Q&A session with the press. This would be the first time he would face reporters since his 2019 drug controversy.
Before the session started, B.I. decided to issue a statement.
“There is something I would like to address first,” he said in a trembling voice.
#bcut 깐빈 안에 깐빈🐣
앞으로도 느낌있게 미래를 도모해 🆔💓
앞으로도 사랑 뭐 그런거 계속 하죠❣️ #BI #비아이 #131Label pic.twitter.com/4VMZRUpkbb— B.I Official (@BI_131official) June 1, 2023
“I would like to apologize for disappointing many people and causing social controversy due to my past wrong judgments and choices.”
B.I. continued by acknowledging the concerns surrounding his actions.
“I have nothing to say except that I am sorry,” he said. “Not a single day has gone by where I have felt at ease. I am always self-reflecting and am repenting.”
Kim Han-bin then admitted that he decided to promote as a solo artist to give back to his supporters.
“I began promoting again with the heart to repay the debt,” he said. “I don’t think that self-reflecting and repenting ends after a certain period. it’s different depending on each person but I will live self-reflecting with a heavy heart for the rest of my life.”
On June 2019, it was revealed that B.I. had tried to purchase marijuana and LSD back in 2016. The drugs were purchased from a female drug dealer and the rapper had reportedly used the marijuana he purchased. Moreover, Kim Hanbin allegedly evaded police charges.
B.I. later took to social media to apologize for the controversy and announced his departure from iKON and YG Entertainment. In September 2021, he was sentenced to a probationary period of 4 years. If the rapper commits more drug-related crimes during the probationary period, he will be sentenced to at least 3 years in prison.
Although he still feels guilt for the controversy, B.I. continues to make music. He recently released his second full album ‘To Die For’ on June 1, 2023.