On January 17, 2025, Hankun, the leader of the popular YouTuber group Espoir Tribe, updated his followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) about his past infidelity, which has been under intense scrutiny lately. This announcement came on the heels of claims made by the leaker and influencer KoKoRe, who revealed startling information about Hankun's private life, sparking controversy across social media.
Hankun's admission is particularly sensitive as it involves his wife, Luna—a former member of the YouTube trio BanBanZai—who is currently pregnant with their first child. The couple had publicly announced their marriage at the Creator Dream Festival 2024, held at Tokyo Dome on August 10 of the previous year. Given this, Hankun's statements now carry heavy personal and public stakes.
KoKoRe, known for shedding light on controversial matters involving celebrities, questioned Hankun on X about claims made by another woman who alleged she had his child and accused him of failing to provide child support. This created ripples of concern within Hankun's fanbase, as many grappled with the reliability and impact of such information on Hankun's image and career.
Addressing the claims, Hankun released a statement, saying, "I sincerely apologize for the commotion caused by my private matters... the events described occurred about 11 years ago and are largely true." This line from his statement offered clarity on the timeline of events, as the issues at hand relate to relationships from over a decade ago, long before his rise to fame.
Hankun elaborated on the reasoning behind the previous separation, stating, "During my consultation about separation, I was told by the other party's father, 'If such facts exist, then child support is unnecessary, and you need not get involved anymore.'" This indicates the complex dynamics and potentially stressful negotiations involving his past relationships.
Despite the drama unraveling, it seems Hankun is attempting to manage the situation delicately, as he emphasized the need to protect his family's dignity. He conveyed, "I will respect the child's circumstances and refrain from public comments on this matter... discussions will be conducted through my office and lawyers." It points to his intention to address the situation off public platforms, indicating the personal nature of the issues at stake.
The situation has left many fans of Espoir Tribe reflecting on the harsh realities celebrities face in keeping their personal lives private amid the scrutiny of public interest. Hankun's scandal resonates not just with the fans of Espoir Tribe, but serves as a broader reminder of the challenges faced by public figures who grow up under the spotlight.
With Luna's pregnancy adding another layer of complexity to the situation, the coming months are likely to reveal more about how they navigate this tumultuous chapter. For now, Hankun's candidness about his past infidelity, coupled with his commitment to resolving matters discreetly, points to his need to safeguard not just his reputation but also the well-being of his growing family.
This admission marks not only a pivotal moment for Hankun but also symbolizes the larger discourse on accountability among influencers. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this affects his standing within the YouTube community and how he manages to restore public trust.