IDID To Debut Without Original Member Park Junhwan Following Misogyny, Rape Allegations

Starship Entertainment announced Park Junhwan's departure from the debut of upcoming boy group IDID on Monday, following weeks of serious allegations about his alleged misogynistic behavior. The group will now debut with seven members instead of the originally planned eight.

Junhwan faced accusations from individuals claiming to be his former classmates, who alleged he engaged in misogynistic behavior and sexual misconduct during his school years. The accusations, which surfaced in mid-May, included claims that he made disrespectful comments about women, created fake photographs of female classmates, and ignored a girlfriend's request to use protection during intimate encounters.

The controversy gained more traction on social media platforms, with the hashtag #ParkJunhwan_OUT trending on X in late May. Frustrated fans organized protests, sending funeral wreaths to Starship Entertainment's headquarters to demand his removal from the group. The symbolic gesture represented their call for the company to take action against the trainee.

Many people shared screenshots and messages online as alleged evidence of Junhwan's inappropriate behavior. Former classmates claimed in group chats that he had been "obsessed with women" and was known for discussing his sexual experiences openly during school.

Starship Entertainment maintained Junhwan's innocence throughout the controversy, stating the allegations were "completely false." The agency said it conducted an internal investigation, reviewing his academic records and obtaining statements from school officials who described him as "a diligent and responsible student." The company claimed to have evidence that anonymous accounts posing as his former classmates were spreading false information.

Despite defending his character, Starship announced that Junhwan decided to leave the group due to "significant psychological distress" caused by the controversy. The agency said it would provide him with time to recover and seek professional mental health support. Starship also warned it would pursue legal action against those spreading false information and harassment targeting the trainee.

IDID was formed through the survival show "Debut's Plan" and originally consisted of eight members: Kim Min-jae, Jang Yong-hoon, Baek Jun-hyuk, Park Won-bin, Choo Yoo-chan, Jung Se-min, Park Jun-hwan, and Park Sung-hyun. The remaining seven members will continue with their debut planned for the second half of 2025.