Xdinary Heroes' Geon-il exits group and JYP after fan-disparagement controversy

Xdinary Heroes lost their leader and drummer on August 13, 2026. Geon-il's exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment ended the same day by mutual agreement.

It started August 12 with an online post. A person claiming to be Geon-il's ex-girlfriend accused him of infidelity and alleged he'd made derogatory comments about fans, including remarks about wanting to slap them. A voice recording accompanied the post, though its authenticity remained unconfirmed.

Geon-il addressed the allegations in a farewell message posted August 13 on a fan communication platform. "Regardless of the reason, the fact that I made such statements does not change," he wrote. He clarified the remarks weren't directed at the entire fanbase—Villains—but rather "some malicious fans who hid behind anonymity and indiscriminately criticized us or invaded our privacy." He outlined the incidents leading up to his outburst: in early 2026, sasaeng fans broke into the members' dorm and planted a tracking device on his car; after the group's Inspire Arena concert in June, malicious comments flooded in. "I still don't feel like it's real," he added. He'd wanted to stay with Xdinary Heroes and keep the six-member lineup intact but ultimately accepted the company's decision.

JYP Entertainment released a statement saying it "deeply recognized the seriousness of the situation" and had extensive talks with Geon-il before determining that continuing team activities was impossible. The agency apologized to fans for the abrupt announcement.

Xdinary Heroes will move forward as five members: Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Junhan, and Jooyeon. The group debuted in 2021 with Geon-il as leader and drummer. They've now pulled from Summer Sonic 2026 in Japan, where they were scheduled to perform August 14 and 16.