In 2017, Korean audiences were swept up by the survival show Produce 101 Season 2. One of the biggest third-generation K-pop groups, Wanna One, was born from the program. Meanwhile, many trainees who failed to make the final lineup still gained enough popularity to debut afterward.
One of the most notable post-show groups was JBJ, a project group formed by trainees who ranked between 20th and 30th. The group officially debuted in October 2017 and quickly gained attention, even holding fan meetings across Asia. However, JBJ was always meant to be temporary and officially disbanded in April 2018.
Among the members was Jin Longguo (also known as Kim Yongguk), who later debuted as a solo artist in 2018, raising hopes for a long-term career.
Dating Rumors And A Secret Instagram Account Spark Backlash
Only a few months after his solo debut, Jin Longguo became embroiled in dating rumors with Kim Na-hyun of SONAMOO. While dating itself is not uncommon, fans were shocked when they uncovered posts from his alleged private Instagram account.
On this account, Jin Longguo reportedly mocked fans, referring to them as “delusional people.” Even more damaging were photos showing him being affectionate with a girlfriend while he was still actively promoting with JBJ.
In another post, the idol admitted to lying about being sick in order to skip scheduled activities and spend time with his girlfriend.
The Incident That Destroyed His Image
While the dating scandal angered fans, the most fatal blow to Jin Longguo’s career came shortly afterward.
A middle-aged man claimed that while taking out the trash, he discovered unopened fan letters, bracelets, cosmetics, and snacks—clearly fan gifts—thrown away in the garbage. The man later shared his experience online, igniting public outrage.
“Last night, while throwing out the trash, I noticed many envelopes filled with brand-new items. Most of the letters were written in Chinese and Japanese, and many hadn’t even been opened. They were clearly fan gifts. I wondered why anyone would throw them away. It felt like such a waste.”
The revelation quickly went viral, and Jin Longguo was harshly criticized for disrespecting fans who had supported him.
Apology Came Too Late
Following the backlash, Jin Longguo issued a handwritten apology. However, the damage was irreversible.
His second album Mono Diary sold only 6,256 copies—a drastic decline compared to the more than 24,000 copies sold by his debut album.
A Career That Quietly Disappeared
Over the years, Jin Longguo gradually faded from the Korean entertainment industry. He no longer has an agency and now focuses on activities in China, releasing digital singles with little impact. His most recent song, Memories, reportedly garnered only around 4,100 views.
Currently, he mainly posts cover songs on Douyin and did not participate in JBJ’s reunion activities, further signaling his complete withdrawal from the K-pop spotlight.
Once considered a rising star with global potential, Jin Longguo’s career stands as a cautionary tale of how trust, once broken, is nearly impossible to rebuild in the idol industry.
Sources: Koreaboo