[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Geon-il, who left the band Xdinary Heroes, personally addressed the controversy surrounding derogatory remarks about fans and his departure from the group. While acknowledging that the voice in the controversial recording was his own and offering an apology, he clarified that the remarks were directed not at fans in general, but specifically at certain malicious fans, such as stalkers.

On the 13th, Geon-il posted a lengthy message on a fan platform, stating, “This will likely be my final message as an Xdinary Hero.”
Previously, JYP Entertainment announced Geon-il’s departure from the group and the termination of his exclusive contract. At the time, the agency stated, “Regarding the recent matter involving member Geon-il, we deeply recognize the gravity of the situation and have held thorough discussions with the artist from various angles,” but did not explain the specific background. In the wake of this incident, X-Dinary Heroes also canceled their appearance at the Japanese music festival “Summer Sonic 2026.”
The controversy began with revelations from an internet user claiming to be Geon-il’s ex-girlfriend. The user claimed to have dated Geon-il and released recordings of phone calls and screenshots of messaging app conversations. The recordings contained a man using profanity and making remarks such as, “It’s impossible not to develop fan hatred,” and “I want to slap them all.”
After remaining silent for some time, Geon-il admitted that he was the person in the recording after leaving the group.
Geon-il described the person who posted the allegations as “someone I met through an acquaintance and dated for about two weeks.” He also explained that at the time, he was emotionally exhausted due to a combination of malicious comments, false stories circulating about him, and concerns regarding the group’s music and performances.
He explained that it was a time when he felt more comfortable confiding his true feelings to someone who didn’t know him well rather than causing worry for those close to him. In particular, he confessed that he “emotionally broke down” after receiving negative reactions following a concert last June.
Geon-il revealed that the controversial remarks were made during this period. He admitted, “In the end, I poured out the emotions that had been building up to someone I hadn’t known for very long, and in the process, I unhesitatingly used expressions that were too strong and inappropriate.”
Although he stated that he did not expect the conversation to be recorded and made public, he did not use this as an excuse for his remarks. Geon-il apologized, saying, “I clearly understand that the very fact that I made those comments was wrong, regardless of whether they were made public or not,” and added, “No matter the reason, the fact that I said those things remains unchanged. I sincerely apologize to everyone who must have been disappointed and hurt.”
However, he drew a clear line regarding the target of his remarks. He explained that at the time, he was suffering due to stalker fans, which had heightened his fear and resentment toward certain malicious fans, and that the controversial remarks were not directed at the general fanbase as a whole.
Geon-il emphasized, “Those words were absolutely not directed at all the Villains (fan club name) who have trusted and supported us.”
He also shared his feelings toward the group and its members. Geon-il said, “I truly wanted to remain with X-Diz until the very end, and I wanted to protect the six members of X-Diz,” adding, “But as you know, I had no choice but to accept the company’s decision. It still doesn’t feel real to me.”
He continued, “I can say with absolute confidence and without a shred of shame that I sincerely cherished and loved the members during my time with X-Diz, and that I was always grateful for the love the Villens sent our way.”