[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] Lee Jong-hyun, formerly of the band CNBLUE, shared his thoughts following his departure from the group and made it clear that he intends to live as a non-celebrity.

On the 11th, Lee Jong-hyun posted a lengthy message on his social media account, stating, “I would like to share something I’ve been keeping to myself for a long time.”
In the post, Lee Jong-hyun reflected, “Although I was once a member of CNBLUE, eight years have now passed since I left the group due to my inappropriate words and actions and my immaturity, and have been living distanced from the public eye.”
He continued, “Even while living as a private citizen during this time, I have always carried a heavy burden in my heart knowing that my past actions have caused the group and its members to face unwanted misunderstandings and criticism.”
Lee Jong-hyun also said, “Some fans may have thought that I was shunned by the members, but this is absolutely not true, and it has always pained me that the members were unnecessarily hurt because of this.”
He continued, “At the time, I feared that my remaining in the group—due to my personal, shameful circumstances and lapses in judgment that I couldn’t bring myself to fully disclose—might actually cause greater harm and leave a stain on the group,” adding, “Leaving the group was entirely my own fault and choice, and it was my responsibility to bear the consequences.”
He also touched on his personal life since leaving the entertainment industry. Lee Jong-hyun said, “My personal life has also been filled with various trials,” adding, “I did start a family, but we are currently in the process of parting ways so that we can each pursue our own paths.” However, he did not mention specific details, such as whether he had legally registered the marriage.

Lee Jong-hyun emphasized, “I now intend to face my past mistakes head-on without evading them and live in the world with integrity as a human being,” adding, “This post is by no means written with the intention of returning to the entertainment industry.”
He continued, “I wish to prevent rumors that differ from the facts or any harm arising in relation to specific brands and business matters concerning the work I am currently engaged in as a non-celebrity and a member of society. I would like to clearly state that some of the brands and products currently being mentioned on social media have no direct connection to me.”
He elaborated, “I am also writing this to offer my sincere apologies and gratitude to the CNBLUE members, who have suffered from unnecessary misunderstandings for a long time, and to set the record straight.”
Lee Jong-hyun said, “I will always sincerely support CNBLUE and the members who gave me the most brilliant, beautiful, and wonderful memories during my immature years and helped create precious memories. I will carry that gratitude and sense of regret deep in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Finally, he stated, “With this post, I intend to cease all further social media activity and additional communication,” adding, “I will now return completely to the life of an ordinary non-celebrity, reflect on my past, and live as a responsible person who leads an upright life that does not bring shame to society.”
Lee Jong-hyun debuted in the entertainment industry as a member of CNBLUE in 2010 and worked as a singer and actor. However, in 2019, while serving in the military, he was embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that he was a member of the so-called “Jung Joon-young group chat.”
Later that same year, in August, he found himself in the spotlight once again due to a direct message he sent via social media to a female YouTuber. The message mentioned the YouTuber’s appearance and expressed interest in her. CNBLUE fans strongly criticized him, noting that he had once again drawn criticism for inappropriate behavior while he was supposed to be reflecting on his actions.
At the time, Lee Jong-hyun apologized, saying, “I am sorry to those who were hurt by my inappropriate words and actions, and to everyone who was deeply disappointed,” and subsequently left CNBLUE.
Lee Jong-hyun, who left the entertainment industry following his departure from the group, drew attention the previous day by sharing an update on his current life via social media. He posted photos of himself in a business meeting and his workspace, which featured cosmetic samples, and stated, “There were a few years when I turned my back on the world. Since then, I’ve been learning to work to make a living,” revealing that he has been working professionally in beauty marketing.