Netizens Speculate Hongbin Has Left VIXX

STARLIGHTs speculate Hongbin has left VIXX following his recent Twitch update.

Earlier this year, Hongbin was caught in hot waters after appearing on his Twitch live stream drunk. During the stream, Hongbin was seen flipping off the viewers. He then went on to make multiple rude comments towards other idol groups, such as SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, and INFINITE.

(Photo : Theqoo)

After that stream, he held another one at 5:00 a.m. that same day to apologize and explain himself. He defended that he did not mean to insult the groups nor discredit them. He shed tears during the streams, showing his remorse. During the stream, someone had paid him a visit, causing him to leave the stream for a moment and mute the audio.

(Photo : Twitter)

VIXX member Leo ended up posting a Tweet following the first stream, apologizing to the fans. Though he did not mention Hongbin by name, it is assumed it was about the idol. Fans who tuned in to Hongbin’s second Twitch stream asked Hongbin if he had seen the tweet, to which he said he did. He went on to say that the man who paid him a visit was Leo, telling him to quit the group.

He wrapped up the second live stream by saying he would leave the group if that is what his members want from him.

마음 편히 좋은 꿈들 꿔줘요 내 뮤즈들 미안해요~ — VIXX_LEO (@JUNGTW_LEO) February 29, 2020

 Since then, Hongbin stayed out of the spotlight. Last fans had heard from him was back in May to celebrate the group’s anniversary. He had written a letter to SPOTLIGHTs, thanking them for their support and apologizing for his past actions. The letter reads:

(Photo : Theqoo)

“Hello everyone. Time has flown by quickly, and we are now celebrating our 8th year anniversary. I should be showing you guys only my best sides as it is a good time, but I am sorry once again. Even so, I wanted to tell you guys that I am thankful to those who support me all the way until our 8th anniversary. I am apologetic for showing my lacking sides before, and as much as I did, I will make sure to work hard to be able to show everyone a better version of myself in the future. Thank you again to those who have supported me.”

Fans had returned to the fan cafe to check the post again. To their surprise, not only was the post gone, but the account Hongbin had used to post the letter had been deleted.

(Photo : Theqoo)

It turns out, the idol had left a post on his Twitch account on August 6, Wednesday. In the post, Hongbin shared how he wants to continue to do live streaming for everyone, to be able to share his love for games, and chat with the fans. However, fans were surprised to see a mention of a “big change” during his period of inactivity. The post reads:

(Photo : Theqoo)

“Hello everyone. Are you guys well and healthy during these times? For me, I have been spending time at home, much more than I used to, that I think I get around by rolling rather than walking now. I have been thinking that I want to start having fun live streams again when I play games with you guys while laughing and chatting. When I stepped away from live streams, I went through some big changes. I am still trying to adjust it because I am still out of it. I am not sure if there will be changed to the future streams, but I will try to make sure my streams and fit for viewing so we can comfortably chat and laugh together. You may end up seeing some sides of me that you haven’t and you might be confused, but I will put in all my effort to ensure you guys will enjoy the streams. I am sorry for making you all wait this long. See you soon.”

Fans were left confused at the statement and have started speculating that he might have withdrawn from VIXX, seeing that he chose to inform his Twitch viewers first before the official fan cafe.

Numerous news outlets have reached out to VIXX’s label, Jellyfish Entertainment, asking for updates on Hongbin. Company representatives have stated they will look into the matter and have not given any updates since.