Music

Teen Top's 'Former Member' CAP: A Disgrace to Leadership

May 13, 2023 | by Nobelle Borines

"Originally, I thought of leaving (the group). I thought people would react this way when I caused trouble."

Teen Top's leader, CAP, aimed for a departure from his group by causing controversy. As expected, the agency decided on CAP's withdrawal and termination of his exclusive contract. Essentially, he achieved his goal. In this process, there was no sense of responsibility or dignity as a leader. After the controversy, he even stated on social media that he had "acted selfishly, thinking only of myself."

On May 9, during a live broadcast on YouTube, CAP responded to a fan's request, 'Please don't smoke,' with an expletive and expressed dissatisfaction with the interference in his actions as he announced his comeback. He boldly stated that he doesn't want to make a comeback with Teen Top, he doesn't feel suited to standing in front of fans at a cafe, and he hasn't felt a sense of achievement during his activities.

Of course, if he felt that way, no one could force him to continue his activities. However, it's regrettable to think that this was the only way for him to stop his activities. Teen Top, produced by Shinhwa member Andy, debuted in 2010 and promoted songs such as "Don't Spray Perfume" and "Miss Right" but didn't receive much attention.

Then, in 2020, through the corner "Hidden Masterpiece" on the YouTube channel "Moon Myung Express," hosted by Jaejae, "Don't Spray Perfume" was re-highlighted, and they gained attention once again when they appeared on MBC's "Hangout with Yoo" in March. Teen Top, which had a long hiatus, gained momentum for their comeback as they were chosen as Yoo Jae-seok's "favorite group," and they were set to reap the fruits of this in July with the release of a new song as a full group.

Therefore, CAP's remarks led to criticism that he had "spoiled the almost done rice," a Korean saying meaning ruining something at the last minute. His careless and insincere attitude towards the team disappointed the fans. He surely knew how important this comeback was and how long they had been waiting for this moment while preparing with the other members. Fortunately, the remaining members, Chunji, Niel, Ricky, and Changjo, made their comeback as planned, but the inappropriate departure of the leader has left a big stain on them.

In particular, CAP's behavior disappointed fans even more when compared with the leader of the group Infinite, Kim Sung-gyu, who debuted around the same time. Currently, the members of Infinite are signed with different agencies. The place where those members can gather was created by the choice of leader Kim Sung-gyu. He recently established the Infinite Company and even transferred the trademark from his former agency, Woollim Entertainment. As a result, the six members of Infinite, Kim Sung-gyu, Jang Dong-woo, Nam Woo-hyun, Lee Sung-yeol, L, and Lee Sung-jong, will be able to perform under the name Infinite, sing old hit songs at concerts, and produce related merchandise.

In fact, Kim Sung-gyu has emphasized his sense of responsibility as a leader several times. In one interview, he said, "To me, Infinite is a family and the most shining moment in my life," and during his solo activities, he said, "I think I can harm Infinite if I can't properly conduct my solo activities." These are words filled with a sense of responsibility and respect for the team that he and his younger brothers worked hard for. Even if not as much as Kim Sung-gyu, had there been at least some love and respect for the team, CAP's departure would not have been as disgraceful as it is now.