'Prostitution Allegations' Choi Min-hwan, Possibility of Criminal Charges... "Indecent Assault Also an Issue"

'Pyeon Sang-wook's News Briefing' Lawyer Moon Yoo-jin
"Sex trade punished only when prosecution reached"
"Choi Min-hwan also faces issues with forced molestation"

Former Laboum member Yulhee, FT Island's Choi Minhwan. [Source=Yulhee, Choi Minhwan Instagram]

Yulhee (26), a former member of the group Laboum, has exposed allegations of prostitution and sexual assault against her ex-husband Choi Minhwan (31) of FT Island, prompting legal experts to analyze the case.

On the 28th, appearing on SBS's 'Pyeon Sangwook's News Briefing,' lawyer Moon Yoojin stated, "Based on the recording, a male voice presumed to be Mr. Choi's says things like 'I want to go somewhere other than Choice,' 'I will send the unpaid amount of 1.28 million won via Telegram,' and 'Please quickly book a nearby hotel or motel,' which suggests suspicion of prostitution." However, she added, "Prostitution is only punishable when it reaches prosecution; attempts are not punished. We need to observe the investigation process going forward."

She also explained, "Rape or sexual assault can occur even between spouses. Usually, it is not an issue while the marriage is maintained, but problems often arise during divorce proceedings." Furthermore, she elaborated, "It is punishable under criminal law, and Mr. Choi could face issues not only regarding illegal prostitution but also sexual assault."

Earlier, on the 24th, Yulhee claimed through her YouTube channel 'Yulhee's House,' "There was a major incident about a year before the divorce, and from that point, married life changed 180 degrees." She continued, "(Choi Minhwan) touched my body in front of family members and even put money here (on my chest)." She explained, "How would someone my age know about places like bars? Later, I realized such drunken behavior was a habit."

At the end of the video, she also revealed a recorded phone conversation between Choi Minhwan and a man identified as A from July to August 2022. In the recording, Choi Minhwan says to A, "I sneaked out, so please make a reservation," "They say there are no girls here today," "Please send me the account number to pay the 2.3 million won from last time," and "Can you book a hotel I can go to now? A motel is fine too," implying that he engaged in prostitution during the marriage.

Meanwhile, Yulhee and Choi Minhwan married in 2018 and separated last December after about five years. The couple has one son and twin daughters.