Wonho Opens Up About His Love For MONSTA X and Monbebe, Takes Responsibility For His Past, And More

[aures.livejournal.com]

Former MONSTA X member Wonho sat down for an exclusive interview with Dispatch to discuss everything that has happened to him.

In February, Dispatch met Wonho for an exclusive interview as he was undergoing investigations into claims that he had used marijuana in 2013. On March 14, Starship Entertainment released an official statement that the investigation had concluded and Wonho had been cleared of all charges. The interview took place before the final decision, and Wonho stated, “I did not smoke marijuana. The investigation is underway. When my innocence is proven, please tell my story. I want to apologize, and I want to clear misunderstandings. I want to ask for forgiveness.”

Wonho spoke of an impoverished childhood. Growing up, he explained that he was bullied by the other children in class for being poor, and his parents constantly fought about money. Wanting to escape, Wonho got to know an older male figure in his neighborhood and started hanging out with him. He explained that afterwards, the bullying had stopped, and he preferred that his classmates were uncomfortable with him. But as the situation did not improve at home, he ran away and started hanging out with a new group of friends who got into trouble with the law. But Wonho took responsibility for his past actions as he said, “I don’t want to blame them. Because it was my choice. It may sound like an excuse, but I was immature. It was my fault. I was in the wrong. I’m sorry.”

In his second year of high school, he met Jung Da Eun. He explained, “We became close friends quickly. We worked as fitting models together. She helped me a lot, and she supported me a lot in my dreams to become a singer.” It was in his twenties that Wonho says he changed and tried to right his wrongs by working hard. He said, “I saw other kids practicing like crazy. They all had ‘dreams.’ I was embarrassed. I’d only lived my life with resentment. That’s when I made a promise to myself. That I wouldn’t waste my life anymore.” Wonho added, “I danced and sang all night with my fellow trainees. It wasn’t hard. I finally had hope that ‘I, too, have a future.’ I was happy. I was happy in that group setting. I learned so much in those four years.”

Wonho also cautiously opened up about the rumors and allegations that changed his life in 2019. He said, “I was at fault, but there were also misunderstandings. Of course, I realize we can’t turn back time. Not everyone who grows up in an environment like mine ends up on the wrong path. When I was on probation, I did a lot of self-reflection.” He was upfront about admitting to his wrongdoings but strongly denied ever using drugs. He said, “I admit that I had issues in the past. But this really isn’t it. I’ve never used marijuana. I explained this clearly to the police.”

Everything led to the announcement that Wonho would be leaving MONSTA X in October 2019. He said, “We worked really hard on the new album. I hated thinking that MONSTA X would fall because of me. I thought the only way for the team to survive is if I left as soon as possible. I wanted to minimize the damage as much as I could.”

He also spoke fondly of Monbebe [MONSTA X’s official fanclub name] as he said, “I can say this with confidence, after meeting Monbebe, I completely changed. I finally learned what it feels like to be loved. I wanted to be better every day.” According to Wonho, his life consisted of work, exercise, and connecting with fans. Even on overseas tours, he would hold live broadcasts with fans that would last three to four hours. He said, “It was the first time I had felt such warm emotions. So I didn’t want to disappoint them. I only wanted to do things our fans would like. I wanted to repay their love. But…”

Wonho explained that he felt like leaving the group was the least painful option for fans. He said, “There were many things I promised to them. That I would always be by their side. I’m sorry that I had to leave like this. I’d lived with only them in my mind.” But he explained that he felt like he had no other options. “In the past, I lived as Lee Ho Seok and in the present, I lived as Wonho. Does Wonho really have no responsibility in what Lee Ho Seok has done? I have to shoulder that responsibility. I hurt people with my past. I wanted to minimize that pain.”

Wonho explained that he didn’t leave his house for a while in case he caused any more damage. He said, “I still can’t forget our fans. I am full of regret. Just feeling like I should have done better for them? I just wanted to say I’m sorry, which is why I did this interview.”

Sources: Soompi, Naver

omona, what are your thoughts on the situation? do you believe wonho? do you want him back?

Comments

[talk-play-love.livejournal.com]

Nothing that Wonho did is beyond forgiveness. To not exonerate him now, after he’s grown and repeatedly apologized and taken responsibility, would mean none of us are worth the consideration of forgiveness for things we’ve done (and we were all young and stupid once). I grew up in very similar impoverished conditions and yes I’ve never done what he did so I can’t and won’t defend his actions but I think the friendship he had with * was very toxic all around. Anything surrounding * seems to be toxic. It’s in the past and if the two of them settle things now, then there’s no reason why the general public can’t be settled with them as well. All in all, it’s a situation that was blown to greater proportions than was ever necessary.

[kazu-kumaguro.livejournal.com]

I don't mind him back but the never smoking pots and no mention about his unpaid debt is bullshit

[adenar.livejournal.com]

the charges were only drug related

[baekpedaling.livejournal.com]

I want him back so bad I even had a dream where I saw him and asked.

I think he'll go to the military soon and that makes me even more sad

[hellicoptajuuce.livejournal.com]

COME BACCCCCCCCCK

[suggestivepeach.livejournal.com]

I’m not a fan of the group but nothing he’s done or was accused of doing seems particularly heinous. I don’t see why they can’t just have him back since fans clearly have not moved on.

[adlyeith.livejournal.com]

I'm not a fan (only because I've never listened to their stuff) so I can only go based off of what I've read on Omona about all of this, but he seems genuinely apologetic and like he's actually reflecting and growing from his mistakes. He's taking responsibility and not shirking blame, which is more than can be said for a lot of idols that end up in hot water for stuff they've done/said. I think he should be allowed to rejoin - I'm unsure of what the overall fan reaction has been to this whole thing, but it seems like he genuinely has very deep appreciation for the Monsta X fandom. I don't think anything that he did is beyond redemption, especially not when compared against things that have been done by other people in the industry.

As for him not directly referencing the money thing, there's a possibility he can't talk about it if there's something going on behind the scenes to settle it. Who knows.

[cairistiona.livejournal.com]

I'm unsure of what the overall fan reaction has been to this whole thing

i've honestly never seen a fandom push ot7 as hard as monbebes. other fandoms live in the past when members leave, but none to the extent of monbebe. it's like without 7, they don't even function the same? it's the MAJORITY of the fandom too; when woojin left stray kids there were a lot of ot9 fans (still are), but there are many responding with "they're 8 now, deal with it, it's important to support the 8 left, ot9 fans don't support skz". there isn't the same response for wonho. the majority of the fandom desperately wants him back. even ikonics don't all react the same way about b.i., even in the wake of his investigation there isn't the entire fandom desperately begging for him to return. wonho's situation is honestly unique imo, i've never seen anything like it.

it's also so awkward & uncomfortable watching the members, i.m. in particular, struggle with not being allowed to mention him and having to constantly apologise for not being able to talk about him. :(

[dongsaengkiller.livejournal.com]

This was actually very well done. I feel he could totally be back for the next comeback

[gathyou.livejournal.com]

I'm not a fan of Monsta X, have barely listened to their music, but kept an eye on this issue.

Personnally I wish Wonho will be able to take his own decision - whether to comeback in the industry (as this interview seems to imply) or not. Probation should serve one purpose first and foremost : rehabilitation. It seems to me that he took responsability, removed himself from the toxic environement he was in, and turned his life around. Not everyone who grow up in poverty goes the same path so I'm not trying to excuse him, but once someone they make efforts to get out, it's unfair to keep holding past mistakes against them. He didn't abuse anyone from what we know, mostly drug or theft charges? Also wasn't he a minor when most of it happened?
As for the debt, I hope he has been able to pay back and resolve any lasting issue with Jung Da Eun. I understand him not mentioning it since it wasn't part of the investigation, but man, just pay your debts. It should have been done earlier tbh. I'm not going to worry too much about this, though. I feel like it's more of a private issue.

Starship's annoucement + this interview back to back reads like a PR campaign is starting on their side. They'll be able to judge reactions from general public and fans. If they really helped Wonho behind the scenes/paid for the atorney, then it's not out of generosity ; they must have planned already what they're going to do to get their investment back.

Also Monsta X - I hope the members can voice their opinions as well.

[blueberrykaiser.livejournal.com]

I am completely biased but I want him back in the group. Especially when there are still literal rapists just living their best lives in the entertainment industry. His actions can be rectified.

[blck-ink.livejournal.com]

i mean if the people who he "harmed" in any way have forgiven him and if his monsta x members want him back i don't really see an issue with him returning to the group.

[horichansenpai.livejournal.com]

I don't follow the group but I don't see why he shouldn't be given another chance. He worked hard to redeem himself after a shitty youth and seems remorseful of whatever crap he's pulled.
Either way he didn't deserve the amount of backlash he got back then and I found it distasteful how a lot of people were celebrating his downfall and accusing his supporters of "coddling a man" when they had every right to worry about him.

Re:debt, if true then he should properly deal with it if he hasn't already, however JDE has been incredibly offputting about everything so I have no sympathy for her (especially if it's true that she was being an abusive partner a few months ago).

[torontok.livejournal.com]

Honestly, it may be foolish of me to feel this way but I truly feel like he's not a bad person.Nothing he did is worthy of being thrown out of the industry and he seems like he's genuinely tried to atone for everything

[thebloomroom.livejournal.com]

I don't think he will come back. Isn't that unprecedented? And given all the fuckery Starship pulled during Produce, I think they are just jumping at any attempts to clear their PR a bit. I'd be shocked if they rocked the boat.

What ever happened with his debt? He didn't mention it At the end of the day, other idols have done worse and thrived. So idc. But I don't personally think they will add him back, maybe he can have a solo career.

[giriboy.livejournal.com]

starship just announced their new bg (with the only 2 confirmed members being from pdx) so mx won’t be their priority boy group for much longer. even if it’s not unprecedented, i think the pr push seems to point that they’re thinking about it

[thebloomroom.livejournal.com]

But to starship what benefit does it really have? MX is on their way out in terms of Starship focus given they are debuting another bg with the X1 boys. Starship is garbage lol. I am not optimistic

[kcaomei.livejournal.com]

i believe that nothing that wonho has done warranted the extremity of what's happened to him (permanently leaving the group instead of taking hiatus, losing his career as it was, etc). i mean we have way worse human garbage (like seungri, for example) out here prancing around and living their best life so in comparison, wonho is an okay dude who genuinely cares and feels remorse. not to mention, i'm REAL sus of any situation that involves that h*n s*oh*e girl, she seems like her life mission is sabotage and both her and JDE appear to be extremely toxic.

i really hope he rejoins MX because the group dynamic hasn't felt the same without him. his energy is really missed even though i really love the other members.

[stephantasm.livejournal.com]

MTE

[goshipgurl.livejournal.com]

Not a fan of drugs and he certainly did something wrong when he went to juve, but we have multiple rapists and women beater still promoting. Don't know why they're so harsh with Wonho.

[stephantasm.livejournal.com]

He really doesn't deserve to be out of the group for something that can be rectified and reflected upon. He seems like a good person, this... I can't even pay attention to MX without him in it, their energy is different. Starship messed this up.

[luminous-wings.livejournal.com]

Wishing him all the best and hopefully he'll return (if that's what he wants).
Monsta X honestly doesn't feel the same anymore. Not just because he left but also because of Jooheon being on a break.
Does anyone know how the group is doing? Do they seem fine, how's their music doing etc.

[bob-dabuilda.livejournal.com]

So like, dod he ever pay that chick back?



Then again, I wouldn't after all that bullshit.

[gigabytexx.livejournal.com]

There should be something going on behind the money issue, I dont think Wonho have any problem of paying them back. But has he? Would he? Both he and JDE are loaded people, if he hasn't/didn't pay her back then it must be something that is not anyone's business. I personally wouldn't bringing that up, because that money don't hurt other people. I'm amused at some people who brought that up lol like why?

As for the drugs... well, he probably did it for socializing / to look cool, I don't think he was a junkie. And he clearly remorseful so I'm hoping he can go back to the group, but maybe it's impossible.

[soyunatetera.livejournal.com]

hope he can go back to his group

[ironmangina.livejournal.com]

While I do think what happened to him was unfair, and that what he was accused of didn’t warrant leaving the group, I’m not just gonna take his word at face value. Especially on not having ever done drugs.

As for returning to the group, I don’t see it happening. Unfortunately, this is gonna follow him for a long time, and him re-joining will bring the group under more scrutiny. Juvenile delinquency is one of those things that Korean’s don’t let go of easily when it comes to celebs. So even if their kfans want him back, Starship might not want the headache.

[baekpedaling.livejournal.com]

The police literally cleared him of the drug charges.

[ironmangina.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know. Like I said before, it’d be pretty hard to prove he did drugs 5+ years ago.

[lostintheechoes.livejournal.com]

i wish he would come back. i miss him.

[babyjenkski.livejournal.com]

I just want to say that I believe in second chances and forgiveness. May people forgive him and give him a chance to do better. I just feel we will never know what really happened. I don't think rejoining MX would be a good idea but its all up to their management, members and fans

[falling-cookie.livejournal.com]

He should be able to come back. Point blank. JDE and the other accusers all seem to have a vendetta against him and that's why they accused him and brought up all the stuff in his past. How can anyone even believe the money not being paid back? The screenshots from the conversation with the lawyer didn't show proof either way.

Also, he didn't go to juvie. He got probation. He's not perfect, but damn, it's not a reason to condemn him forever.