K-pop boy band Teen Top loses scandalised member C.A.P in comeback

Teen Top is a South Korean boy band founded in 2010 that initially consisted of six members: C.A.P, Chunji, L.Joe, Niel, Ricky, and Changjo. The group quickly rose to prominence in the K-pop scene thanks to their mentorship and management by TOP Media, owned by Shinhwa’s Andy.

Teen Top made their debut with the title track ‘Clap’ in 2010. The members, who were all in their teens when the group was formed, were scouted for their diverse talents, from singing to dancing to rapping.

Some of Teen Top’s most popular tracks include ‘No More Perfume on You’, ‘Miss Right’, and ‘Rocking’.

Image: TOP Media

TOP Media personally scouted each Teen Top member for their unique talents, either from the scene or from auditions.

Image: TOP Media

C.A.P was known for his rap skills, Chunji for his impressive vocals, Niel for his distinctive singing voice, Ricky for his cute image, and Changjo for his dancing prowess. L.Joe, who left the group in 2017, was also known for his rap skills.

Teen Top enjoyed immense popularity in Korea, especially in their early days, thanks to the influence of Shinhwa’s Andy.

The group also wasn’t riding on Andy’s coattails, as they too snagged their first award within the first year of their debut on KBS Music Bank with ‘Going Crazy’!

Teen Top was so popular then and overseas that they even managed to even hold an European tour back in 2013!

From Koreaboo, in 2017, the group faced a setback when L.Joe filed for contract termination with TOP Media, expressing his desire to pursue a solo career.

Image: TOP Media

This sparked controversy and left fans heartbroken and shocked as L.Joe took to suing TOP Media for obstructing his attempts at going solo. TOP media was later exposed by an insider in a Koreaboo report for having indeed deliberately obstructed L.Joe’s career and goals.

Image: TOP Media

Despite this stain on TOP Media's reputation, Teen Top continued to produce hits and top K-charts for three years until all members were required to serve mandatory national service in 2020, forcing the group to take a break.

From 8days, C.A.P shocked fans in May 2023 during a YouTube livestream by lighting up a cigarette and displaying an emotional outburst in response to fan comments, sparking controversy. His behaviour during the stream was heavily criticised, leading to concerns about his participation in the group's upcoming comeback.

Image: TOP Media

According to the same 8days report, C.A.P expressed frustration with fans who criticised his actions only after Teen Top's return was announced. He was especially irritated by fans who weren't initially supportive but felt entitled to control him.

Image: TOP Media

C.A.P revealed during the same livestream that he had considered not joining the group for their comeback. His reasons included the fact that his contract was set to expire in July and that his 'unruly' behaviour could be detrimental to the team’s comeback.

Image: TOP Media

This isn't the first time C.A.P has faced criticism for his behaviour. In 2012, he was chastised for making sexist remarks during a TV interview.

Image: TOP Media

From Soompi, C.A.P mentioned that he would hit and lock up his hypothetical daughter, and these remarks resurfaced following his recent controversy, adding to fan outrage over his livestream behaviour.

Image: TOP Media

C.A.P’s passing remark to leave came true, as on May 11, 2023, TOP Media announced C.A.P's departure from Teen Top and the termination of his contract, just days after his controversial livestream in an 8days report.

Image: TOP Media

The same report notes that C.A.P apologised for his behaviour in an Instagram post, admitting he had been selfish and acknowledging that he had hurt others with his actions.

Image: TOP Media

In the same Instagram post, C.A.P expressed his wish for no further harm to be done to Teen Top which meant that the decision to leave was mutual on both sides.

Image: TOP Media

Teen Top plans to carry on with upcoming events despite the loss of C.A.P. The remaining band members are committed to giving their all in their comeback for the group's 13th anniversary.

There have been ups and downs along Teen Top's path, from the group's heyday to the departures of L.Joe and, most recently, C.A.P. The fact that Teen Top has weathered these storms shows how dedicated they are to their music and their fans.