Stepping Back into the Spotlight: Redemption of Lee Ji-hoon, Kang Ji-sub, and B.I Amid Controversies

Stars entangled in a variety of controversies, including power abuse, drug allegations, and religious disputes, are making their return.

Actor Lee Ji-hoon, who was engulfed in controversy for power abuse towards staff during the shooting of last year's IHQ drama 'Sponsor', has returned to the public eye. Making his first public appearance after the controversy, Lee Ji-hoon said, "This is the first time I've appeared in public since causing concern due to personal matters." He went on to apologize, saying, "I've learned a lot, and I'm sorry." Rapper B.I, previously handed a suspended sentence for marijuana use, apologized for causing social controversy as he resumed his activities. Meanwhile, actor Kang Ji-sub, who was swept up in a controversy involving the Christian Gospel Mission (JMS) two months ago, resumed his activities through social media.

Being a celebrity means making a living off one's image. The problem becomes even more significant when the celebrity is influential. To prevent getting tangled up in various controversies, celebrities must prioritize self-management. The entertainment weather for this week, marked by the return of stars once swept up in controversies, can be described as 'thunderstorms'.

Lee Ji-hoon's 'Power Abuse' Controversy, Returns with a Fluttering Heart

Actor Lee Ji-hoon has revealed himself in public for the first time since his power abuse controversy. He appeared at the production report conference of the movie 'Inseparable' (directed by Lee Woo-chul) held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 31st of last month. 'Inseparable' is an iron-wall romance movie that tells the story of an aspiring musician Seung-jin (played by Lee Ji-hoon) and a figure designer Lani (played by Han Seung-yeon) who share each other's daily lives through a wall that does not block sound at all.

Lee Ji-hoon got tangled up in a power abuse controversy with the staff during the shooting of the special drama 'Sponsor' for IHQ drama's launch last November. He said, "This is my first time in public due to personal matters. I've learned a lot and I'm sorry," expressing his regret. Lee Ji-hoon was embroiled in a power abuse controversy after a friend of his allegedly insulted the staff on the set of his new IHQ drama 'Sponsor'. The truth was revealed after an FD of 'Sponsor' posted a power abuse expose related to Lee Ji-hoon in the staff group chat. The situation has been momentarily concluded after the writer apologized directly to Lee Ji-hoon for misunderstanding him.

Kang Ji-sub's 'JMS Apostasy', Resumes SNS Two Months After Controversy

Actor Kang Ji-sub resumed his social media activities two months after announcing his departure from the Christian Gospel Mission (JMS). Kang Ji-sub posted a photo on the 29th of last month with the caption "It's really summer now". His appearance comes about two months after leaving JMS.

In March, the Netflix original 'I Am God: People Betrayed by God' uncovered various crimes of Jung Myung-seok, the leader of JMS (Jesus Morning Star), a religious organization. This initiated a search for JMS followers in the entertainment industry, and actor Kang Ji-sub got entangled due to a portrait of Jesus used by JMS found in his room. Furthermore, Kang Ji-sub left a message on Jung Myung-seok's birthday stating, "It's the birthday of the teacher who has become my life mentor. I congratulate you," essentially confirming rumors of his affiliation with JMS.

In response, Kang Ji-sub stated, "I thought it was a normal place. However, I felt a sense of estrangement because it was far from my original perception of faith, so I left." He admitted he was once a follower of JMS but has since left. He expressed deep sympathy as a victim himself and hoped for no more pain. Despite posting a picture of himself disposing of the Jesus picture used by JMS, suspicions persisted due to a concept in JMS that allows lying for proselytizing, known as 'Mosa'. Eventually, Kang Ji-sub had to delete his social media.

Kim Do-hyung, the chairman of the anti-JMS organization Exodus, confirmed, "Actor Kang Ji-sub has indeed left JMS. Please stop the witch hunt."

Four years after his drug scandal, B.I., formerly of iKON, has made his first public appearance

On the first of last month, B.I.'s second full album 'TO DIE FOR' showcase was held at Shinhan pLay Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul. B.I. began, "I have something to say," and opened up about his drug controversy. He apologized once again for disappointing many with his past poor judgments and causing social controversy. He expressed his desire to convey his genuine feelings to the media and the public.

B.I., the former leader of iKON, debuted in 2015. iKON peaked in 2018 with a big hit 'Love Scenario'. B.I. not only led the group as the leader but also played a pivotal role by writing and composing all songs in the second full album 'Return', which included 'Love Scenario'. However, in April 2016, he was caught purchasing drugs such as LSD and marijuana and was accused of using some of them multiple times. His actions were revealed when a trainee singer under investigation for drug charges disclosed it to the police in 2019. As a result, B.I. admitted all allegations and withdrew from iKON. He was later sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for four years.

When asked about his statement back then, "I did drugs because I wanted to become a genius," B.I. replied, "I think I was thoughtless at that time." He added, "I lost a lot due to poor judgment and choices at a young age. I still think about what I've done." B.I. reiterated that remorse and humility should continue indefinitely, potentially a lifetime, and he is bearing the weight of his actions and reflecting upon them. As he said, "I also want to repay the emotional debt in the best way I can do and in my profession. The discomforting gazes are also a lifelong homework," the public's attention is focused on whether he can turn the cold public opinion around.

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