VIXX’s Ravi apologizes and departs group following military corruption scandal; prosecution seeks 2-year sentence

VIXX’s Ravi has officially issued a letter of apology for his actions involving in military corruption scandal. The singer-rapper, who also departed from his band VIXX, might face a 2-year prison sentence.

Several brokers were arrested earlier this year for helping clients evade military service by providing false medical diagnoses of epilepsy. The brokers reportedly promoted their services by having the famous idol rapper Ravi on board.

As reported by the Korean tabloid Soompi, on April 11, the first trial was held for eight individuals including Ravi, his labelmate Nafla, and their label GROOVL1N’s co-CEO “A” on charges of violating the Military Service Act. At the trial, the prosecution requested two-year prison sentences for Ravi and “A” along with two years and six months for Nafla.

The same day, Ravi took to his Instagram to share the apology letter writing, “First of all, I apologize to everyone who has been harmed and hurt by what I did wrong. In the past, I was assigned to public service due to illness I had, and I was postponing my service for my activities when I reached the point where it was difficult to postpone my service any further.”

The statement continued, “I was the only artist in the company generating profits, and the implementation dates for the contracts that were signed before COVID-19 were being postponed without certainty, so with the burden of contract cancellation charges, I was desperate to delay my military service.”

“With desperation, I made a foolish decision, and when my worries about the company and the contract issues were resolved, I voluntarily registered for public service and was carrying out my service since October of last year. I would like to sincerely apologize to the epilepsy patients and their families who must have been hurt by this self-justified wrong decision I made in this process along with everyone required to serve who is diligently carrying out their duty even at this moment.”

The singer further wrote in the letter, “Furthermore, I sincerely apologize to all the people who were hurt by me and to the fans who passionately supported my life beyond my existence as an artist for making you all experience the feeling that the time we spent together is being denied and falling apart. I wanted to be someone you could be proud of, but I have no excuse for showing such a shameful side of myself. Compared to everyone’s valuable feelings which were developed sincerely over a long period of time, I think I was very lacking.”

Ravi further shared that he decided to leave VIXX so “no further damage would be given to the team members who were harmed by my fault. I am sincerely grateful to all the members who have been with me for the long period of 11 years, and I feel apologetic beyond words. I sincerely hope that there will be no more harm caused to the members’ valuable efforts because of me. I think I am a person who is lacking a lot and still has much to learn.”

He concluded the apology writing, “I think it is my responsibility to take all the criticism over this incident. The more you scold me, the more I will repent and learn from it. I know very well that my simple words of apology do not make my faults go away. I will continue to learn and work hard so that I can live as a better person by reflecting on this moment without forgetting it. I sincerely apologize.”

Meanwhile, VIXX’s agency Jellyfish Entertainment also officially announced on April 11 that Ravi departed the group. “We sincerely thank the fans who support VIXX, and we inform you of member Ravi’s departure from VIXX,” the agency wrote in the statement adding, “After careful discussion between Ravi and the agency, it was decided that he will leave the team as of today. We deeply apologize for causing trouble to the fans who support VIXX.”

Also Read: VIXX’s Ravi admits to charges of military-related corruption; court dismisses arrest warrant