XLOV member Hyun missed the group’s comeback showcase in Seoul on October 28 after injuring his leg during practice, sending a letter to fans as the group released its third mini album, “i=!”.
According to The Fact, Hyun had been scheduled to attend the showcase at 2 p.m. at the Cube Convention Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to mark the release of “i=!”. The report said a leg injury sustained during practice kept him from joining his bandmates on stage.
Hyun addressed fans through a letter read out at the event. He said he felt deeply disappointed that he could not stand on stage together with the members because of what he called an unexpected injury, and that he is focusing on intensive treatment so he can return to the stage in good health as soon as possible. He also described “i=!” as a work XLOV prepared without regret, saying the group put its utmost care into it.
The absence had been announced a day earlier by the group’s agency, StrangeLab. In an official statement on October 27, the agency said the showcase would proceed with three members, excluding Hyun, following medical advice that he needs sufficient rest and stability. It added that his participation in future schedules, including music shows and fan signing events, will be decided after a comprehensive assessment of his recovery, with further details to be announced separately. The agency also asked EVOL, the group’s fandom, for understanding over the sudden news.
XLOV is a four-member multinational group — Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru — active with a genderless concept. The group debuted in January 2025 with the single “I’mma Be” and returned about five months after its second mini album, “I, God”, released in May. That previous release ranked sixth on Billboard’s list of the 25 best K-pop albums of the first half of 2026.
The new album expands the group’s worldview around moments of choice and the unchosen possibilities behind them. It features double title tracks “HUSH” and “Tooth Gem Chiwawa”, along with “Cat Move”, “All Tied Up”, and “Silence”, with Hyun taking part in writing lyrics for “Silence”.
XLOV released “i=!” at 6 p.m. on October 28 and will begin promotions for the album. Neither the agency nor the showcase reports have given a specific diagnosis or a return date for Hyun, leaving his return to promotions dependent on his recovery.
