Where is Himchan now? A look at ex-B.A.P star's 2018 sexual assault case, drunk driving and other controversies
Kim Himchan, popularly known as the former member of the boy group B.A.P has been found guilty of a sexual harassment case whose investigation had begun in 2018. According to the latest reports, the 31-year-old K-pop singer has been sentenced to 10 months of prison along with 40 hours of therapy program for sex offenders.
Himchan, who debuted in 2012 with the boy group B.A.P, was being investigated in July 2018 when it was alleged that Himchan sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s. According to the report, there were three girls and three guys and one of the girls was the victim of the sexual harassment.
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What were the charges against Himchan?
According to previous reports, Himchan was at a guest house in Namyangju, a city in South Korea, on July 24, 2018 with other people and they were all drinking when the incident occurred. Himchan initially denied all the allegations stating that it was between two people who had feelings for each other but the victim went on to record to state that she was assaulted by force. On July 12, 2019, he had his first court trial after he was indicted without detention by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. The idol was indicted on charges of an indecent act by compulsion in April 2019.
Drunk driving controversy
In February 2019, TS Entertainment the K-pop boy band B.A.P's agency announced that the group has disbanded, saying that the agency’s exclusive contracts with Himchan, Daehyun, Youngjae and Jongup having expired and all six of the original bandmates leaving them. Two of the original members -- Bang Yong-guk and Zelo -- left the agency in August and December, respectively. After the case started, Himchan wasn’t active on social media for a long time but yet another controversy emerged when Himchan was involved in a drunk-driving case. Later, the K-pop crooner apologized to fans stating, “First, I sincerely apologize to my fans for conveying bad news.”
He added, “I once again deeply apologize for causing a controversy through the drunk driving accident that happened yesterday. I am deeply reflecting on having disappointed the public with an inappropriate and shameful incident.” He admitted his fault and said, “I am regretting and reflecting on drunk driving, and I will earnestly take part in a police investigation if there is need for one in the future. Also, from today onward, I will be living my life with self-restraint and self-reflection.”
He concluded saying, “I apologize again for causing worry and concern for my fans who always supported and loved me. Drunk driving is something that must never be done, and I must take responsibility for that. I sincerely apologize again for causing many people concern with this shameful incident.”
Where is Himchan now?
The singer wrote a heartfelt letter in 2020 to fans saying that he misses interacting with them. The long letter said, “I miss you so much. It’s already been over two years and I think I’ve only come to miss you more during that time. All I can say is ‘Thank you’ to everyone who’s waited for me up until now, so it’s even more painful. Due to the heartache and the words that were so different from the truth, and due to the hardship that made me feel I couldn’t keep breathing like this, there was even a time when I had bad intentions. But thanks to B.A.P that was my everything.. and all of my fans who believed in me, I didn’t give up.”
The K-pop idol was also seen posting quite a few snaps from his activities in 2020 but it all stopped again in October.
Seoul Central District Court senior judge Jeong Seong Wan in his verdict while sentencing Himchan wrote: "According to the evidence that was examined, the victim’s statements are fully credible and support the indictment. For this reason, we acknowledge the charges made against the defendant, and deem him guilty. Considering the defendant’s crime, the severity of it, and the fact that the victim has not forgiven the victim, we came to this decision. However, even though we have sentenced the defendant to prison, we will not arrest the defendant in court, and give the defendant an opportunity to be forgiven by the victim."
Himchan hasn’t issued a statement yet about the court’s verdict. B.A.P fans have expressed hurt and disappointment for the former member of the group. A fan said, “I... can't believe it came to this. I've spent so long loving every member of BAP...and now we're here. I don't know how to feel right now. I'm so hurt, I've spent so long loving Himchan and now my heart is just shattered..” Another said, “I'm a BABY and I'm disappointed with him. Why he did that in the first place ??? I'm so sad since I was tried to believe in him before.”
I... can't believe it came to this. I've spent so long loving every member of BAP...and now we're here. I don't know how to feel right now. I'm so hurt, I've spent so long loving Himchan and now my heart is just shattered..
— I Won't Say Goodbye {🐰} (@RavensFolklore) February 24, 2021
I'm a BABY and I'm disappointed with him. Why he did that in the first place ??? I'm so sad since I was tried to believe in him before. 😭😭😭
— PATUHI 5M (@heskusuma) February 24, 2021