02/03/2025
What’s Really Happening with DXMON?
Fans of DXMON are growing increasingly concerned as newly uncovered disturbing information could possibly be connected to a member’s departure from the group. DXMON are fresh to the K-Pop scene, having debuted in January of 2024, but they’ve already encountered a series of troubling incidents. One member’s departure has sparked intense speculation, and netizens have unearthed even more alarming details that point to possible abuse within the group’s agency.
Table of Contents
- Early Illness and Postponed Events
- The Departure of Jo
- Physical Attack Allegations
- Dating Rumors and Fan Reactions
- The Disturbing Fansign Event
- Possible Grooming Concerns
- The CEO’s Attack and Trial Details
- The Verdict and Fan Outrage
- Future of DXMON
Early Illness and Postponed Events
DXMON debuted in January of 2024 but quickly found themselves in the spotlight when one of their members decided to part ways with the group and their agency. On June 11th, 2024, SSQ Entertainment, the label managing DXMON, announced that some of the group’s fan sign events would be postponed due to Minjae and Jo suddenly falling ill. Doctors recommended they rest, leading to an immediate suspension of both members’ schedules. While fans were initially worried, they took solace in the idea that Minjae and Jo were focusing on recovering and would return with full energy.
However, as time passed, no official updates about their well-being emerged. Fans tried to stay optimistic, but their uncertainty grew. By September 29th, 2024, SSQ Entertainment finally issued a statement—yet it was far from reassuring.
The Departure of Jo
On September 29th, SSQ announced that Jo, previously known for his viral “sea urchin” hairstyle, would be leaving DXMON. The label claimed they had multiple discussions with Jo before he ultimately decided to end his activities. Many fans were outraged at the lack of transparency: not only were they kept in the dark during Jo’s absence, but the departure announcement was initially posted exclusively on the group’s private fan café—meaning a large portion of the fanbase missed the news.
Fans felt Jo deserved a more respectful send-off and criticized the company for its poor management. They believed SSQ Entertainment should have been more forthcoming and released a clearer, more accessible statement.
Physical Attack Allegations
The real storm broke when netizens started linking Jo’s departure to an alleged physical attack that reportedly took place on June 11th, 2024. According to multiple online sources, the Gangnam Police Station received a report around 4 a.m. that an agency CEO was harming members of a group under their management. Allegedly under the influence of alcohol, the CEO was said to have beaten the group members because their dorm wasn’t clean, using a blunt object roughly 90 centimeters in length.
The police report also stated some of the members were minors. Netizens quickly did the math: Jo is 17 years old (international age), and the timing of his absence lined up perfectly with the alleged incident. Though the report did not name anyone explicitly, fans speculated that Jo was the one harmed.
Outraged netizens called the situation “completely lost” and lambasted the CEO for using Jo’s looks to promote DXMON, only to physically attack him later. The notion that a minor was targeted fueled further anger, with many calling for legal action and accusing SSQ of severe neglect in protecting their artists.
Dating Rumors and Fan Reactions
As if the scandal surrounding Jo’s departure wasn’t enough, DXMON found themselves in headlines again in January of 2025—this time due to dating allegations involving Minjae. Fans became increasingly hostile, and some resorted to threatening the group at fansign events, particularly singling out Hee due to rumored stories about Minjae.
On January 23rd, an anonymous Twitter account posted screenshots suggesting a close relationship with Minjae, including photos allegedly showing him sleeping and photo booth pictures cropped to only show Minjae. This account had previously claimed on January 17th that Minjae engaged in intercourse with a fan, further implying that Jo’s departure was truly related to the CEO’s alleged attack.
Rumors also circulated that some members were not only sleeping with fans but also potentially engaging with staff members, a significant concern given their young ages. Many online users questioned the authenticity of these allegations but agreed that if true, it pointed to a deeply troubling environment at SSQ Entertainment.
The Disturbing Fansign Event
Amid these controversies, a viral video from a fansign event showed a fan confronting member Hee with a harsh question: “If another member leaves, then what will happen to the group?” Hee looked visibly shocked, attempting to apologize and express understanding. The fan went on to say, “If another member leaves the group, you’re all finished.”
Many saw this as incredibly disrespectful. DXMON were already dealing with the fallout of Jo’s departure, and fans criticized this individual for bringing it up at a public event, causing Hee obvious discomfort. Supporters argued the group needed empathy—not threats—from their fanbase, especially given the rumors swirling around them.
Possible Grooming Concerns
While some fans were outraged by potential dating scandals, others argued there were far more worrying issues at play. Online discussions raised the possibility that “some of the boys could be getting groomed by staff members,” pointing to the group’s youth and precarious position in the industry. One Twitter user took it a step further, suggesting that staff or the company might be “pimping” the members out, given the overall environment—Jo’s alleged assault, rumors of intercourse with older staff, and a lack of safeguards in place. Although no official evidence has emerged to confirm these claims, the speculation alone has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community.
The CEO’s Attack and Trial Details
On January 30th, News1 released more information regarding the CEO’s alleged attack on the group. Identified only as Kim, he had reportedly stepped down from his CEO position in June of 2024 after accusations surfaced of him attacking three members—A, B, and C—with a metal pole taken from a clothing rack. According to reports, Kim barged into DXMON’s dorm while under the influence of alcohol, allegedly upset over two issues: Member A’s rumored romantic relationship with the group’s manager and the dorm’s unclean state.
During the attack, Kim struck A across his thighs and behind, accusing the member of lying about violating contract rules. Member A required medical treatment for four weeks. Members B and C were also attacked, suffering blows to the head. The metal pole was broken due to the severity of the assault, underscoring how vicious the incident was. What’s more, some members were confirmed to be minors, intensifying the gravity of Kim’s actions.
The Verdict and Fan Outrage
The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division handed Kim a one-year prison sentence with a three-year probation for aggravated attack, aggravated injury, and child maltreatment. He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and pay a $3,500 fine for violating child welfare laws. The sentence was mitigated because Kim admitted to the charges, stepped down from his CEO post, and reportedly paid $55,000 in settlement to the victims. His lack of prior criminal records also factored into the probationary period.
Despite the legal ruling, many fans expressed outrage at the leniency. They noted that Kim’s actions involved not just physical injuries but also severe psychological trauma for underage members. Furthermore, fans felt the company failed to investigate or address disturbing rumors of staff exploiting the boys—calling into question the entire environment at SSQ Entertainment.
Future of DXMON
In light of these scandals, fans and netizens alike are calling for DXMON to depart from SSQ Entertainment, arguing the label provides an unsafe, exploitative environment. A boycott campaign has gained traction on social media, under hashtags like #PROTECTDXMON and #AlwaysWithDXMON. Supporters demand justice for the affected members and a thorough investigation into any staff involved in unethical or illegal behavior. At this point, it remains unclear how SSQ Entertainment will respond or whether any members of DXMON can—or will—continue under the same company.
With the dust far from settled, fans remain vigilant, hoping that the group will somehow break free from harmful influences and find a safer path forward—one that respects their well-being and rights as both performers and individuals.
