Rookie K-pop group i:DEW (아이딧) is set to debut as a 7-member team after Junhwan Park voluntarily withdrew from the group due to online controversies.

📢 Starship Confirms Voluntary Departure

On June 2, Starship Entertainment announced Junhwan's decision to step down from his debut through an official statement on social media. The reason? Personal distress caused by recent online rumors about his school life.

🛑 Agency Denies All Allegations

Starship firmly stated, "The rumors spreading online about Junhwan are completely untrue." They added that his entire school record and testimonies from faculty confirm that Junhwan was a diligent and responsible student.

It was also revealed that the rumors were not shared by actual classmates, but by anonymous accounts impersonating alumni in group chats and forums.

💬 Mental Health Concerns

Junhwan is reportedly suffering serious psychological stress due to malicious comments. Though the agency provided him with medical support, he ultimately chose to leave the group to protect his mental well-being. Starship stated, "We respect his decision and will give him the time he needs to recover and pursue a new dream."

⚖️ Legal Action in Motion

Starship emphasized a zero-tolerance policy moving forward:

"We will take legal action against the original posters and spreaders of the false information. Online harassment and defamation, especially toward minors, are serious crimes, and we will not let this go unpunished."

🎤 About i:DEW

i:DEW was formed through Starship's in-house survival show Debut's Plan. With Junhwan's exit, the team will debut as seven members, aiming to release their first album in the second half of 2025.

[Photo Credit: Starship Entertainment]