KB News Desk
Former Xdinary Heroes member Gunil on Thursday disputed JYP Entertainment’s claim that they mutually agreed to end his contract. Through his lawyer, Gunil said he did not choose to leave the band or agree to terminate his contract.
In a statement, attorney Sung Jae-hwan of Joowon Law Firm said Gunil hopes to resolve the issue through talks with JYP, while maintaining that there were no valid grounds for ending the contract.
“The artist did not depart of his own volition, nor did he agree to terminate his exclusive contract,” the statement, written in English, read. “We do not believe that valid grounds for termination exist in this case. Nevertheless, wishing to spare his fans any further distress, he intends to continue discussions with the agency in good faith.”
The controversy surrounding Gunil began after an individual claiming to have dated the artist posted allegations online accusing him of repeatedly making disparaging remarks about fans while expressing dissatisfaction with the group and his agency. The accusations prompted widespread criticism before JYP announced his departure from the band on Aug. 13.
Thursday’s statement marks the first public response from Gunil’s side since JYP Entertainment announced that the drummer would leave Xdinary Heroes and that his exclusive contract had been terminated by mutual agreement. At the time, JYP said it had held “thorough discussions” with Gunil following a recent controversy involving the artist and concluded that it would be difficult for him to continue team activities, adding that Xdinary Heroes would continue promotions as a five-member band.
Gunil’s attorney said the singer “extends his sincere apologies” to fans and his fellow members for the concern caused by the controversy, adding that he had personally apologized to the members.
The statement acknowledged that Gunil had used “inappropriate expressions” during a private conversation, describing the remarks as inexcusable while arguing they were made during a period of significant emotional distress caused by malicious online posts and repeated invasions of his privacy.
The lawyer also denied several allegations that surfaced online, including claims that Gunil had habitually insulted fans and spoken negatively about his fellow members.
