Drummer leaves band after woman claiming to be his former girlfriend posts recordings, messages online
Gunil, former member of Xdinary Heroes (JYP Entertainment)
JYP Entertainment has terminated its exclusive contract with Xdinary Heroes member Gunil, resulting in his departure from the rock band less than a day after a woman claiming to be his former girlfriend posted allegations that he privately berated fans and bad-mouthed his bandmates.
The K-pop agency announced the decision Thursday, saying it had “deeply recognized the gravity” of a recent matter involving the 27-year-old drummer and band leader following “thorough discussions” with him.
“As a result, we determined that it would be difficult to continue team activities together, and we have decided to terminate his exclusive contract,” the agency said in a statement. “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.”
Xdinary Heroes will continue as a five-member group. JYP Entertainment said it would “provide unwavering support across every front so the remaining members can focus on their music in a stable environment.”
The announcement came after a woman who identified herself as Gunil’s former girlfriend posted allegations to an online community Wednesday, along with screenshots of chat messages and audio recordings. She alleged that Gunil routinely disparaged fans and criticized his bandmates in private — behavior she said contrasted sharply with his public persona.
“He always cursed at fans in front of me. He’s completely different offstage than how he comes across on broadcasts,” she wrote, adding that what she shared was “toned down.”
Xdinary Heroes (JYP Entertainment)
In one audio recording, a voice alleged to be Gunil’s says, “I want to slap them,” while complaining that critical comments from fans make it “impossible not to resent them.”
The woman also posted additional chat logs and videos, as well as an AI-generated summary of a phone call with the singer, in an effort to support her claim that she had been in a relationship with Gunil.
Amid the controversy, organizers of Japan’s Summer Sonic 2026 announced Thursday that Xdinary Heroes had withdrawn from its scheduled performances in Tokyo on Friday and Osaka on Sunday, citing JYP Entertainment’s announcement of Gunil’s departure.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Gunil debuted as Xdinary Heroes’ drummer and leader in 2021.
jaaykim@heraldcorp.com