It is official. BOYS24's own Hwayoung has been kicked out of the group. CJ E&M has made the official announcement yesterday, Feb. 14.

In a statement released by his managing agency CJ E&M, Hwayoung is now officially removed from both the company and the BOYS24 group permanently, reports Koreaboo. Hwayoung was involved in a controversy last week - bad-mouthing and using demeaning comments towards the fans.

These "demeaning" comments can be heard from an audio clip that leaked last week. Thanks to Koreaboo, the audio clip was translated, with Hwayoung saying he likes being called "oppa" but NOT specifically by his fans. Ouch!

Hwayoung also said that it "sucks" being with fans during events with hi-touch sessions. A hi-touch session is where the group meets up with the fans, touch their hands, and greet them. Hwayoung said in the audio clip that being in those sessions, shaking hands with 700-800 people makes him want to throw up. Hwayoung also added that the fans have bad breath.

"First of all, we would like to apologize to all of the fans of BOYS24 who were deeply hurt by the comments that Hwayoung made in private," said Hwayoung's managing agency, CJ E&M. "We would like to inform everyone that Hwayoung has been removed from BOYS24 and that his contract will be terminated."

CJ E&M also said that they are concerned that Hwayoung's recent controversy may stain the entire public image of BOYS24, and that it may dissuade not just the fans of the group's individual members, but the fans of the entire group itself - hence the decision of permanently removing Hwayoung from BOYS24, and the cancellation of his exclusive contract as an artist. 

Hwayoung has not made any comments or appearance so far. Meanwhile, stay tuned to KpopStarz for more K-Pop news!