FNC has addressed rumors that AOA's Seolhyun caused a fire alarm from smoking cigarettes.
A rumor that guests at Thailand hotel had to evacuate because a girl group member was smoking a cigarettes began circulating online and netizens speculated that the idol was Seolhyun.
An official from FNC Entertainment immediately addressed the rumors in a statement to Sports Donga and stated, "It's clear from those rumors that the idol is not Seolhyun. We are collecting data for legal action against rumors and sharing of false information online. We are deeply sorry that such false and misleading information is being circulated online."
The official added, "We will take strong legal action against damage to our artists reputation without leniency."
The rumor in question first circulated four years ago an episode of Channel E's "Brave Reporters" that was broadcast in September 2016. The report alleged that a girl group member visited Thailand for a CF and caused the hotel alarm to go off because she was smoking cigarettes.
The reporter also revealed that the girl group member in question had an insincere attitude during the CF shoot and used the members as her "errand boys."
Following FNC's quick statement on cigarette rumor, netizens pointed out FNC's quick attitude in defending Seolhyun's honor in contrast to their handling of AOA Jimin's bullying incident. When Mina first revealed the bullying on her Instagram, FNC remained silent for a long time and failed to arrange a reconciliation between the members and Mina leading to further revelations causing Jimin's eventual withdrawal from the group.
Netizens are questioning whether FNC made such a quick hard-line stance only a day after the rumor began circulating online because Seolhyun is the agency's only lifeline left.
What are your thoughts on the controversy?