Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of sex crimes. Reader discretion is advised.
The Burning Sun sex scandal, which involved several renowned K-pop stars, including Yong Jun-Hyung, is the subject of the hit BBC documentary K-pop scandal: Exposing the secret chat groups. The docufilm chronicles the story of two journalists, Park Hyo-Sil and Kang Kyung-Yoon, who brought the scandal to light. It includes interviews with Hyo-Sil and Kyung-Yoon, who discuss their investigations into the abuse case. Besides Jun-Hyung, other popular K-pop artists involved in the scandal were Jung Joon-Young, Choi Jong-Hoon, and Seungri, among others.
Yong Jun-Hyung, the former member of Xing, BEAST, and Highlight, got entangled in the Burning Sun scandal. However, he was aware of Jung Joon-Young’s crimes, which included filming illegal and explicit videos. Allegations against Joon-Young first surfaced in 2016, claiming that he secretly recorded sex videos of his then-girlfriend. The crime is called “molka” in South Korea. An investigation revealed a secret group chat containing sexually explicit images, videos, and chats about a gang rape.
Reportedly, Yong Jun-Hyung left Highlight in March 2019. He is now set to marry K-pop sensation HyunA. Moreover, he helped authorities during the Burning Sun investigation that resulted in the convictions of three K-pop artists. Jun-Hyung made his comeback in November 2022 with his EP Loner, starting his solo music career.
What is Yong Jun-Hyung doing now & what were his links to the Burning Sun scandal?
According to The Korea Times, Yong Jun-Hyung is now pursuing a solo career after the Burning Sun scandal. In 2019, Jun-Hyung quit the boy band BEAST, now called Highlight, when news of his involvement in the scandal surfaced. He was a crucial part of the case and investigation that resulted in the convictions of three prominent K-pop artists.
Yong Jun-Hyung has reportedly embarked on a solo music career since the November 2022 release of his EP Loner. That year, he established his own music label, Black Made, and also released a second EP, Beautiful Dystopia, in 2024. Additionally, the K-pop artist’s other singles include “Post It,” “Love Song,” and “Fall Into Blue,” which he released shortly after.
L’Officiel stated that Yong Jun-Hyung is now dating K-pop soloist HyunA, as per an Instagram picture the latter posted. Korea Times further reported that HyunA agency, AT AREA, confirmed that the couple will tie the knot later this year. Their wedding ceremony will happen on October 11 in Seoul.
The agency stated, “The two will begin a new chapter in their lives. HyunA and Yong Jun-hyung will hold their wedding ceremony in October with close acquaintances and begin a new chapter in their lives. HyunA accepted YongJoonHyung’s proposal. They have been a great comfort to each other in difficult moments.”
According to NME, Yong Jun-Hyung opened up about his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal after the BBC documentary premiered. Jun-Hyung was one of the names that surfaced during the investigation. He was reportedly one of the members of the chatrooms where other artists circulated “molka” videos. The singer later admitted to watching the videos and faced criticism for participating in the crime.
After BBC’s Burning Sun documentary revisited the case, Jun-Hyung posted a statement on his official Instagram account, claiming he “was undoubtedly foolish and made mistakes.” The singer added, “I couldn’t correct the wrong situation, and amid heated criticism without knowing what the right choice was, I was fearful and didn’t want to cause harm to [Around Us Entertainment] and the [Highlight] members.”
Yong Jun-Hyung explained that he left Highlight after the scandal. However, he alleged that the explicit video sent in the chatrooms came with a blacked-out thumbnail and had no descriptions. Jun-Hyung claimed that he “had no way to know what it was or what the intention was.” He added that he “could have said ‘Stop, this is wrong.'” Instead, he just “just shrugged it off.”
Jun-Hyung maintained he “never joined that certain group chat room” and had no direct involvement “in the incident.” He then stated that “media outlets and people have repeatedly labelled me as one of the figures involved in that incident. He believes this made him “the same kind of person as those people with whom I have nothing to do with.”
The singer said he will “endure” the criticism but asked his fans to “not be hurt” by his past actions. He added, “I will strive every day to deeply reflect on the aspects that I couldn’t correct in the past.” Additionally, he called his actions “foolish” and assured people he will “become a mature person.”
BBC’s Burning Sun documentary is available for viewing in the UK on BBC iPlayer. The world audience can watch the film on the BBC World Service YouTube channel.
