The K-pop world is reeling from sudden news: Gunil, the leader and drummer of JYP Entertainment’s rock band Xdinary Heroes, has officially departed from the group and had his exclusive contract terminated. This shocking development comes less than a day after serious allegations surfaced from a woman claiming to be his former girlfriend, accusing him of privately disparaging fans and criticizing his fellow bandmates.
JYP Entertainment confirmed the decision on Aug 13, stating they had “deeply recognised the gravity” of the matter involving the 27-year-old artist. Following “thorough discussions” with Gunil, the agency concluded that “it would be difficult to continue team activities together.” Their statement added, “Effective today, Gunil will leave Xdinary Heroes and conclude his activities with the group. We sincerely apologize to our fans for the concern this sudden news may have caused.”
The Allegations Unfold
The catalyst for Gunil’s abrupt departure was a series of explosive allegations posted to an online community on Aug 12. The woman, identifying herself as his former girlfriend, shared screenshots of chat messages and audio recordings, painting a picture of a vastly different Gunil behind the scenes. She claimed his private behaviour sharply contrasted with his public persona, stating, “He always cursed at fans in front of me. He’s completely different offstage than how he comes across on broadcasts,” and even noted that what she shared was “toned down.”
Among the damning evidence was an audio recording, where a voice alleged to be Gunil’s is heard saying, “I want to slap them,” in response to critical fan comments, lamenting that it makes it “impossible not to resent them.” The former girlfriend further supported her claims of a relationship with additional chat logs, videos, and even an AI-generated summary of a phone call with the singer.
JYP’s Response and Band’s Future
In the immediate aftermath of the controversy and JYP’s announcement, organizers for Japan’s prestigious Summer Sonic 2026 festival confirmed on Aug 13 that Xdinary Heroes had withdrawn from their scheduled performances. The band was set to play in Tokyo on Aug 14 and Osaka on Aug 16, but their participation has now been cancelled due to Gunil’s departure.
Moving forward, Xdinary Heroes will continue their journey as a five-member group. JYP Entertainment has pledged “unwavering support across every front so the remaining members can focus on their music in a stable environment,” assuring fans of their commitment to the group’s future. Gunil, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, debuted with Xdinary Heroes as their drummer and leader in 2021. The K-pop community awaits further developments and expressions of support for the remaining members during this challenging time.
