C.A.P, the leader of the K-pop group Teen Top, has left the group amidst controversy, just two months ahead of the group's scheduled full-member comeback.

C.A.P recently expressed his displeasure with some fans during a live broadcast, who criticized his behavior and requested that he refrain from using profanity and smoking. C.A.P responded, "Isn't it because they think my actions might harm the team?"

He continued, "Some fans say I shouldn't smoke on broadcasts. I wonder why that annoys them. I thought about why people who don't usually care about me are saying this to me. Anyway, it's probably because they worry that my actions might harm the team since I'm a member." He then made a sudden statement, "I'm even considering not making a comeback. My contract ends in July."

C.A.P's remarks sparked criticism, as many believe it was irresponsible for the group's leader to say, "I might not make a comeback" during a live broadcast, especially when the group's full-member comeback had already been confirmed and was being prepared.

On May 10th, Teen Top's agency, TOP Media, shared that C.A.P regrets his actions and officially announced his departure from the group the following day. TOP Media stated, "After consulting with the members of Teen Top, we have decided that C.A.P will leave the group as of today. Teen Top will reorganize as a four-member group with Chunji, Niel, Ricky, and Changjo." They also apologized once more for the distress caused by C.A.P's careless words and actions.

C.A.P also conveyed his feelings through his social media on the same day. He said, "Before I begin, I want to apologize to those who may have been hurt by my words and actions. Despite knowing that my actions could cause controversy, I acted selfishly, only thinking of myself." He confessed, "I felt like I was wearing clothes that didn't fit me for a long time. I wanted to take off those clothes, which led me to make the wrong decisions."

He then apologized once more, saying, "I sincerely apologize again to the Teen Top members and the staff at our company, who have been working hard for our comeback. I hope there will be no more damage to them."

Teen Top debuted as a six-member group in 2010. They became a five-member group in 2017 after L.Joe's departure, and now, with C.A.P's exit, they will continue as a four-member group.

L.Joe became embroiled in controversy when he sent a proof of content to TOP Media demanding a contract termination despite having time remaining on his contract. The agency requested that L.Joe participate in group activities for the remaining contract period, but when negotiations fell through, they filed a claim for damages against him.

In May 2018, the exclusive contract issue was resolved, and TOP Media withdrew the charges. L.Joe is currently active as an actor under the name Lee Byung-hun.

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