On February 15, Seunghyun revealed his intention to retire from the entertainment industry and relocate overseas through an Instagram post. The former idol, now pursuing acting, expressed his desire for a more ordinary life outside the limelight. He conveyed gratitude to his fans for their patience and support, extending wishes for their well-being and happiness.
Seunghyun made his debut as a guitarist in F.T. Island in 2009 before transitioning to acting following his departure from the band in 2019. Post his mandatory military service discharge in 2021, he ventured into various projects including the web drama ‘Oh! My Assistant, musicals such as ‘Jack the Ripper’ and ‘D’Artagnan’, as well as the play ‘Lost Village’. He said,
“Hello, everyone. This is Seunghyun.
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.
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.”