"Under 19" Contestants Ji Jinseok And Bang Junhyuk Unexpectedly Leave Show

Jan 26, 2019

On the latest episode of MBC’s “Under 19,” contestants Ji Jinseok and Bang Junhyuk unexpectedly announced their departure from the program.

During the January 26 broadcast of the survival show, host Kim So Hyun surprised the contestants by making a special announcement at the beginning of the show’s fourth elimination ceremony.

The actress said, “Before we officially begin announcing the rankings, we would like to apologize and ask for the understanding of both the idol trainees and the viewers. Today’s elimination ceremony is an especially important elimination ceremony, as it will determine the final 19 idol trainees who will be able to perform at the live finale.”

“However,” she went on, “idol trainee Bang Junhyuk of the rap team has announced through his agency that he intends to leave the show. As he did not participate in the last competition, it has been decided that he will officially be departing mid-program.”

Kim So Hyun continued, “Also, due to health reasons, idol trainee Ji Jinseok of the vocal team will unavoidably be unable to participate in ‘Under 19’ in the future.”

Ji Jinseok has revealed that he is suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a painful condition that affects the jaw area. Due to the pain, it is currently difficult for him to even speak.

In a separate interview, Ji Jinseok commented, “I feel so sorry to my teammates, and I want to receive treatment quickly, so that I can see my friends, teammates, and everyone again.”