DKZ’s Kyoungyoon To Leave The Group Following JMS Cult Controversy; Netizens React

Earlier this year, DKZ member Kyoungyoon became embroiled in a scandal involving the controversial JMS cult after the release of the Netflix documentary, In The Name Of God: A Holy Betrayal. It was discovered that his family had connections to the cult, and even ran a cafe associated with a church, Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God).

While initially DKZ’s label, Dongyo Entertainment, shared a statement that Kyoungyoon’s family was unaware of the church being connected to the JMS cult, the idol soon opened up about his personal experience being brainwashed and victimized by the cult. And while he shared that he had at one point been an active member of the JMS singing club, after watching the Netflix documentary, he vowed to leave the cult for good.

While there were some inconsistencies with his story that left some feeling skeptical about his involvement with JMS, the overall reception from fans, at least, seemed to be supportive. However, he still received a lot of backlash from netizens who didn’t believe him, and it led to Kyoungyoon releasing a personal apology despite him being a victim of the cult.

In April this year, he announced he would be going on a hiatus to focus on his health and well-being after the backlash he’d received which led to him suffering from anxiety and sociophobia. And while fans hoped it would only be temporary, it seems that that won’t be the case.

On August 7, Kyoungyoon shared a letter with DKZ’s fans on the group’s fan cafe regarding his future. While he stated that his condition has improved a lot over the last four months, after talking with DKZ’s label about his status as a member of the group, he has decided to depart from DKZ and will be starting his military enlistment later this year.

You can read his full letter here.

Hello, this is Kyoungyoon. It is with a heavy heart that I post this—especially since I haven’t been here in a while. I’m sorry. I also apologize to the fans who have felt shocked and disappointed at what has happened because of me. And thank you to those who’ve shared their concerns for me, too.

For the past five months, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. And after careful consideration of what’s best for the people I love, I decided that it is in everyone’s best interest that I leave DKZ. I sincerely ask for your kind understanding. I don’t want to make regretful decisions, and I want to put the other members first. I’ll always root for the DKZ members, as well as be grateful for the fans. These feelings won’t change for as long as I live.

Again, thank you for all the love and support that I’ve received as DKZ’s Lee Kyoungyoon. I do hope that, in the future, I’ll be able to come back to you as a better person. Until then, please stay healthy and be happy. For the last time, as DKZ’s Kyoungyoon, thank you all. I love you all.

— Kyoungyoon

Understandably, fans are upset about the departure of Kyoungyoon from DKZ, and are voicing their feelings on social media.

I just found out about Kyoungyoon ???? I hope he’s alright. thank you for being the best hyung to Louis and a great leader to DKZ!!! take care and have a safe enlistment ????pic.twitter.com/KpTVWmmZjn

— Sya (@DANNnSTARS) August 7, 2023

I don’t know what to feel with Kyoungyoon leaving DKZ and joining the military. Based on the situation, I understand his family was involved and stepping away from the spotlight was the best option for him. But what can we do as fans? Sometimes I feel like giving a hug instead of… pic.twitter.com/J9aPbbPhdO

— Sundeep (@sundeep2413) August 7, 2023

kyoungyoon I’ll support you forever pic.twitter.com/tOfUQ0ebVf

— nemo (@dkzism) August 7, 2023

I really dont know if I can continue here without Kyoungyoon…I dont think I can handle seeing DKZ without him. I had ignored the grp pics without him as well. He deserves a huge apology from everyone who treated him like shit. He does not deserve this.

— ren will wait for Kyoungyoon (@Bebi__Munik) August 7, 2023

thank you kyoungyoon let’s meet again while happy and healthy. I’ll always wait for you pic.twitter.com/LYUN5DiI6r

— henna (@kissnmusic) August 7, 2023

thank you so much for everything kyoungyoon please take care and stay healthy, we love you ???? pic.twitter.com/6E03TTmFex

— mingyu.zip (@jmgzip) August 7, 2023

I’m going to miss him and his beautiful voice, forever dkz main vocalist. until we meet again our kyoungyoon pic.twitter.com/bDbAkAjeDm

— jessica suamchan child (@goldennsone) August 7, 2023

We wish all the best for Kyoungyoon going forward in his life and career.