Choi Jong-hoon

Choi Jong-hoon is a South Korean former musician and actor who served as the leader, guitarist, and keyboardist for the rock band F.T. Island. Born in Seoul in 1990, he rose to prominence during the late 2000s as one of the few K-pop idols capable of leading a live instrumental band while maintaining vocal duties. His career was defined by a sharp trajectory from celebrated artist to convicted criminal.

In November 2019, Choi was found guilty of gang rape and sentenced to five years in prison following his involvement in the illegal filming and distribution of intimate videos without consent. This conviction marked an abrupt and permanent end to his entertainment career, leaving him blacklisted from the industry as of 2026 despite having completed his sentence. [edit]

Choi Jong-hoon was born on March 7, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea. He developed a passion for music at a young age, specifically focusing on the guitar. His early talent led him to attend the Seoul School of Performing Arts, where he honed his skills alongside other aspiring artists. He later enrolled in the Department of Music at Kyung Hee University, majoring in guitar performance to further his technical abilities.

Before achieving fame, Choi participated in various local music competitions and formed bands with friends during his high school and university years. In 2007, he was selected through rigorous auditions held by FNC Entertainment. The agency was looking to form a group that would distinguish itself from the prevailing dance-pop trend by focusing on live instrument performance. Choi's ability to sing, play guitar, and lead made him the ideal candidate to front this new project. [edit]

Choi Jong-hoon debuted in 2007 as the leader and main guitarist of F.T. Island with the single album Cheon-nyeo-ui Ga. The group quickly gained traction for their unique sound, blending pop-rock elements with idol charm. Choi co-wrote and composed many of the band's hits, including the chart-topping track Flower Rock, which showcased his dual talents as a vocalist and songwriter.

Throughout the 2010s, the band expanded their reach into Japan and across Asia, performing sold-out concerts and releasing multiple successful albums. Choi also ventured into acting, appearing in cameo roles in dramas like High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged and taking on a supporting role in The King's Face. Despite his success, his career ended abruptly in March 2019 when FNC Entertainment announced his departure following allegations of secret video filming.

On November 29, 2019, the Seoul Central District Court convicted Choi of special quasi-raping two women on separate occasions in 2016. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Following his release from incarceration, Choi has remained inactive in the public sphere, with no official comeback permitted due to the severity of his crimes and the resulting social stigma. [edit]

During his peak, Choi Jong-hoon was viewed as a charismatic and talented leader who brought authenticity to the K-pop genre. He was often praised for his handsome appearance and skilled guitar playing, which set him apart from dancers in the idol industry. Media coverage highlighted his role as a primary songwriter and his commitment to live performances.

After the 2019 scandal, his public image shifted dramatically. He became synonymous with criminal behavior and moral failure. Contemporary media portrayal focuses almost exclusively on his conviction and the legal proceedings that followed. He is no longer a subject of positive coverage or fan admiration but rather a cautionary tale within the entertainment community. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. As of October 2026, there is no published ranking available for Choi Jong-hoon in the global fame metrics. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.

While the band F.T. Island had a dedicated fanbase known as One, Choi's individual fandom presence collapsed after his conviction. Many fans distanced themselves from him following the revelations of his crimes. While a small minority attempted to defend him, the broader public and fan community largely rejected his return to the spotlight. The fan culture surrounding him has effectively dissolved, with no organized campaigns or support structures remaining active as of 2026. [edit]

Choi Jong-hoon was known for his humble demeanor and dedication to musical integrity during his active years. He often emphasized the importance of playing real rock music in interviews, distinguishing F.T. Island from other groups in the industry. Before his fall, he was considered one of the most talented composers in the K-pop scene, penning emotional ballads and rock anthems that resonated with fans.

Following his conviction, Choi issued a statement expressing deep regret for his actions and accepting responsibility for the pain caused to the victims. However, his apology did not mitigate the public backlash or the legal consequences he faced. His story is now frequently cited in discussions regarding celebrity accountability and the strict ethical standards expected of public figures in South Korea. [edit]

Public information regarding Choi Jong-hoon's family is minimal. There are no widely reported details about his parents or siblings in media archives. Unlike some of his peers who openly shared family stories, Choi maintained a private personal life throughout his career. No credible sources have confirmed any spouses, children, or close relatives involved in his public narrative prior to his imprisonment. [edit]

F.T. Island, Jung Joon-young, Lee Hong-gi, FNC Entertainment. [edit]

Choi Jong-hoon maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his career, with little public documentation of romantic relationships. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he rarely appeared in tabloids discussing dating rumors or engagements. There are no confirmed reports of marriages, engagements, or long-term partnerships involving Choi Jong-hoon.

As of 2026, Choi remains single. Following his imprisonment and the subsequent social stigma attached to his crimes, he has stayed out of the public eye. Any speculation regarding new relationships or a return to the dating scene is considered baseless given the legal barriers and societal rejection he faces. He is effectively isolated from the celebrity dating circuit. [edit]

Estimating Choi Jong-hoon's financial status as of 2026 is complicated by his incarceration and the cessation of all income streams since 2019. Prior to his downfall, various sources estimated his net worth between $5 million and $10 million USD, derived from F.T. Island's album sales, concert tours, endorsement deals, and songwriting royalties. These figures reflected his status as a top-tier idol and successful composer.

Following his conviction and imprisonment, his liquid assets likely diminished significantly due to legal fees, fines, and the inability to earn new income. Most current estimates suggest his net worth is negligible or unknown due to asset freezes and the permanent ban from the industry. The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of his past earnings and current restricted status points to roughly $5 Million as a conservative estimate of his remaining value, though actual accessible funds may be far lower. [edit]