Korean media outlet DISPATCH reported about B.I.’s alleged drug scandal. In the reports, B.I., leader of YG Entertainment’s boy group iKON, was accused of purchasing drugs back in 2016 although his agency denied the allegations.
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As reported by Korean entertainment portal Soompi, YG was said to have called Dispatch saying, “YG strictly manages the drug use of our artists. B.I has no relation to the drug case in 2016. YG purchases a basic drug test kit every two months from the United States and performs a drug test. iKON also underwent a urine examination ahead of their promotions. Including B.I, none of the members tested positive.”
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Later on, B.I., whose real name is Kim Han Bin, wrote an apology on Instagram. He said, “This is Kim Han Bin. First, I would like to sincerely apologize for stirring up trouble due to my tremendously inappropriate actions. It is true that I wanted to rely on something that I shouldn’t have had any interest in due to going through a hard and painful time. However, I was too scared and fearful to do it. Even so, I am so ashamed and apologetic to fans who were greatly disappointed and hurt because of my wrong words and actions. I intend to humbly self-reflect on my mistake and leave the team. Once again, I bow my head down and sincerely apologize to fans and the members. I apologize.”
The same day, YG Entertainment confirmed B.I.’s departure from iKON and their agency. They wrote, as seen on NAVER and as translated via Soompi: “We bow our heads and apologize for disappointing everyone with our artist Kim Han Bin’s problem. Kim Han Bin is feeling heavy responsibility due to the impact of this matter. Taking the matter seriously, he has decided to leave the team and terminate his exclusive contract. YG has become keenly aware of our responsibility for managing our agency artists. Once again we sincerely apologize for causing concern.”
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What’s your take regarding B.I. leaving his group?
