OG K-pop rock band F.T. Island is back after eight years!

F.T. Island’s latest release since 2016

Longtime fans of F.T. Island, rejoice! The K-pop rock band is coming back to the music scene since their last Korean release in 2016. The band has gone through several ups and downs since the departure of three members, including ex-leader Choi Jong-hoon, who was part of the 2019 ‘Burning Sun’ scandal.

Image: FNC Entertainment

Who are F.T. Island?

F.T. Island is a K-pop rock band that was formed in 2007 under the management of FNC Entertainment. They were known as one of K-pop’s biggest rock bands during the early years of the ‘Hallyu’ wave sensation, reports the Korea Times.

Namesake

Did you know?: F.T. Island stands for 'Five Treasure Island', which most likely refers to the group's five members, or five treasures, at the time of its debut.

Members of F.T. Island

When F.T. Island first debuted, the group had consisted of five members: Lee Hong-gi, Lee Jae-jin, Choi Min-hwan, Choi Jong-hoon and Oh Won-bin. Song Seung-hyun took over for Oh Won-bin when he left the group in 2009. In 2024, however, F.T. Island is now down to three members.

Departure of members

According to Osen and FNC Entertainment, Oh Won-bin and Song Seung-hyn had both left F.T. Island to focus on their solo work, which was music and acting, respectively. Choi Jong-hoon’s departure was much more of a scandalous topic.

Choi Jong-hoon’s scandal

Choi Jong-hoon was detained in connection with the 2019 'Burning Sun' controversy for unconsensual intercourse and illegal filming, among other crimes, according to KBS. According to Naver, he eventually left F.T. Island owing to his controversies and crimes.

Now just three

F.T. Island is now comprised of: Lee Hong-gi, who does lead vocals, Lee Jae-jin, who is in charge of the bass and guitars, and Choi Min-hwan, who plays the drums and percussion in the band.

Image: ftisland / Instagram

Famous works

Not withstanding the current lineup, F.T. Island is known for their hits such as ‘Love Sick’, ‘Love Love Love’, ‘I Hope’, and 'Thunder',’ among others.

Image: FNC Entertainment

Return to music scene

F.T. Island last released a Korean album ‘Where’s The Truth’ back in 2016 and had their last official music release in 2019 with the Japanese album ‘Everlasting’. However, fans have something to be excited about, as KBS World reports they are coming back this July!

Image: ftisland / Instagram

New comeback album

According to the same KBS World article, F.T. Island's seventh full-length studio album, 'Serious', releases on July 10. This is their first Korean album in eight years, which was quite a wait!

Image: FNC Entertainment