Xdinary Heroes leader and drummer Gunil has left the South Korean rock band.
The decision follows allegations involving fan interactions and his private life.
JYP Entertainment announced the departure on Thursday.
The agency said Gunil will end all ongoing and scheduled group activities.
Both sides also agreed to terminate his exclusive contract.
JYP said it reached the decision after careful discussions with Gunil.
The agency did not reveal detailed information about the allegations.
It said much of the information circulating online remains unverified.
The decision has also raised fresh questions about K-pop artist protection.
Fans and industry observers continue to debate privacy and protection against malicious fan behaviour.
Gunil speaks out amid sasaeng allegations
Gunil became the focus of online controversy after several posts appeared on social media.
The posts claimed that he had made negative comments about fans.
Recordings later spread across online platforms.
Gunil addressed the controversy in his personal departure message.
He confirmed that the voice in the recordings belonged to him.
However, he explained the circumstances behind his comments.
Gunil said severe stress had affected him.
He linked that stress to obsessive fans, known as sasaengs in South Korea.
Sasaeng fans are known for intrusive behaviour towards celebrities.
Gunil alleged that some fans had violated his privacy.
He claimed that someone entered his dormitory.
He also alleged that a person placed a tracking device on his vehicle.
These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
The controversy also involved a person who shared the recordings.
According to the departure message, that person claimed to have dated Gunil for two weeks.
Gunil later expressed regret over his comments.
“[My words] were never intended for Villains, whom I truly love and care for,” he said, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.
The situation has created further discussion about the pressure faced by K-pop artists.
It has also highlighted the difficulty of separating verified information from online rumours.
Exit reignites K-pop artist protection debate
K-pop artists have been trapped in this cycle of intense scrutiny, online harassment and intrusive behaviour from fans since the steady rise of South Korea’s entertainment industry, while agencies often experience immense pressure to respond swiftly to emerging controversies.
Because of these issues, supporters can’t help but linger on questions about whether the current labor protections of the country effectively safeguard K-pop artists, whose employment status frequently exists in a blurred line between employees and independent contractors.
South Korea has implemented amendments to standard entertainment contracts to tackle unjust practices and ensure a better protective system for artists and trainees.
However, worries persist regarding unhealthy working conditions, mental health and the absence of power balance between performers and entertainment companies.
Losing one of its founding members years after their debut in 2021 may be difficult for Xdinary Heroes, but moving forward amid the controversy signals hope for the band.
Continuing their music journey as a five-member group does not diminish the impact of Gunil’s exit, which reignited debates about implementing stronger protection for artists’ privacy, welfare and basic rights when compromised by scandals.
READ NEXT: P-pop sensation BINI brings Philippine talent to Japan’s biggest festival
