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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Ex-FT Island member Song Seung-hyun retires from entertainment industry due to challenges

Ex-FT Island member Song Seung-hyun retires from entertainment industry due to challenges

Published Feb 16, 2024 04:20 am

Song Seung-hyun, a former member of Korean rock band FT Island who became an actor, announced his retirement from the entertainment industry due to various challenges. 

The 31-year-old celebrity debuted as a guitarist in FT Island in 2009 and left the group in December 2019 after the expiration of his contract to pursue an acting career. 

Song (2).jpeg

Song (1).jpegSong Seung-hyun (Instagram)

Song (1).jpg

Song Seung-hyun with FT Island in June 2017 (Instagram)

However, he said, he faced challenges after leaving FT Island. 

He announced his retirement in a letter he posted on his Instagram account on Feb. 15. In the letter, he also said there is a possibility that he will reside in another country to start a new life.  

“After much contemplation, I have decided to leave the entertainment industry and possibly leave Korea to start a new chapter in my life. It has been four years since I departed from the team FTISLAND to pursue a career as an actor,” he said. 

Song Seung-hyun added, “The challenges were not only in adapting to new endeavors but also in facing the uncertainties of unpredictable waiting periods and complex interpersonal relationships.”

“While there are no easy tasks or simple relationships in any field, I aim to embrace a healthy and disciplined new life that I can tackle day by day,” he explained. 

After leaving FT Island, he enlisted in the military on April 27, 2020 and was discharged in 2021. After his discharge, he appeared in the web drama “Oh! My Assistant” in 2022. 

Meanwhile, FT Island’s remaining members are Lee Hong-gi, Lee Jae-jin and Choi Min-hwan.

Here is Song Seung-hyun’s letter: 

“I would like to express my sincere apologies to the fans who have patiently awaited my return, as I am not very active on social media, and it has been a while since I left the company.

“I deeply regret the lack of effective communication and the extended period of silence. I am truly sorry and grateful to those fans who have waited for me.

Song (3).jpeg

Song Seung-hyun (Instagram)

“After much contemplation, I have decided to leave the entertainment industry and possibly leave Korea to start a new chapter in my life. It has been four years since I departed from the team FTISLAND to pursue a career as an actor. The challenges were not only in adapting to new endeavors but also in facing the uncertainties of unpredictable waiting periods and complex interpersonal relationships.

“While there are no easy tasks or simple relationships in any field, I aim to embrace a healthy and disciplined new life that I can tackle day by day.

“I wanted to convey my gratitude to the fans who have been patient and supportive, and I sincerely hope that both you and I can lead healthy and happy lives without physical or emotional distress.

“Thank you.”

 

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