Former idol Chibin, who debuted with MASC, has opened up about the shocking reasons behind his departure from the group, as well as losing a large sum of money through failed stock and cryptocurrency investments.
Chibin recently appeared on KBS Joy's variety show 'Ask Anything' on November 3, revealing that he was the sub-vocalist of MASC until 2022. He confessed that failed investments in stocks and cryptocurrency have left him with debts and a total loss of 180 million KRW (approx. 124,980 USD), prompting him to share his concerns about his future.
He disclosed the startling reason for leaving the group, recalling that during preparations for the group's next album, he was verbally and physically assaulted by a fellow member after a dispute.
Chibin explained, "It was raining on a winter day, so my roommate Hyung told me to take an umbrella. So I took an umbrella down and was carrying an umbrella, and the member who owned it said, 'Chibin, did you take my umbrella!?' So I said, 'Yeah, I took it. I'll give it to you when you come downstairs.' But then he came downstairs and said to me, 'When I tell you to bring the umbrella up, you should immediately come up when I call.' He said it like this (angrily)."
Chibin continued, "I felt wronged, but still I went with our leader Hyung while smiling, and that umbrella Hyung came to me and said, 'Chibin, stop smiling. I can't stand your smiling face.' After that, I thought I should talk to him."
He added, "I went to him and said, 'I feel wronged.' He hit the umbrella on the wall and broke off the handle. He hit my head and face with it. After that incident, I departed from the group." Chibin elaborated that he had left the group just four months after his debut and spent one to two years in seclusion without any external activities.
After ending his seclusion, Chibin explained that he invested his remaining 5 million KRW (approx. 3,471 USD) in electric vehicle stocks and doubled his money. However, he later borrowed 60 million KRW (approx. 41,652 USD) from his parents and invested further, only to suffer consecutive losses. He even tried cryptocurrency futures with his remaining funds, ultimately losing a total of 180 million KRW, including debt.
Currently, Chibin earns income through YouTube live streaming and is paying off over 4 million KRW in debt each month. He admitted that he still harbors a desire to perform on stage.
Hosts Seo Jang Hoon and Lee Soo Geun offered practical advice. Seo Jang Hoon suggested, “At 27 with nothing but debt, you should reduce your broadcasting hours and get a part-time job to change your habits,” recommending a job involving people. Lee Soo Geun added, “You should always be ready to give your best performance whenever you step on stage. That’s when you earn the right to miss it. Focus on self-development,” encouraging him in his comeback efforts.
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