#HBDtoWONHO Trends As K-pop Singer Wonho, Former Monsta X Member, Celebrates His Birthday

Wonho, the former member of K-pop group Monsta X, is celebrating his birthday and fans on social media have been sharing a storm of birthday messages with the artist.

The singer has just turned a year older, according to Korean Standard Time in South Korea, where it is now March 1. Wonho has been absent on social media for months following his controversial exit from Monsta X last October.

The sudden departure rendered fans—collectively known as Monbebe, which means "My baby" in French—devastated.

His fans took to social media to wish him a happy birthday and express how much they've missed the singer since his departure, using the hashtag #HBDtoWONHO, which has been top-trending on Twitter, along with a string of other related terms and hashtags including #HopeToSeeYouWonDay and #몬베베에게_내린_원호라는_기적, which means "the miracle known as Wonho that was given to Monbebe" in Korean.

"Happy birthday to u wonho. Happy birthday to u wonho. Happy birthday to bunny. Happy birthday to u!!! Wish u all the best and enjoy yr bday. #HopeToSeeYouWonDay #몬베베에게_내린_원호라는_기적 #HBDtoWONHO @OfficialMonstaX @Epic_Records @STARSHIPent," wrote @yatifan.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LOVELY BUNNY There is not a single day where I am not thinking about you and how much I miss you. You'll always have a special place in my heart #HBDtoWONHO #HopeToSeeYouWonDay #몬베베에게_내린_원호라는_기적," wrote @GermanyMonbebe.

"The smile and the laugh that I've been missed to see for months, I wish I can see it again soon. I miss you, I love you. Happiness looks good on you, 이호석. #HBDToWONHO #HopeToSeeYouWonDay #몬베베에게_내린_원호라는_기적 @OfficialMonstaX," wrote @honeysbebe.

"I wish you all the happiness and luck and all nice things and people in the world and it all wouldn't be enough because you shine brighter than any other star - I see you everywhere, day and night. I hope you see us too. Let's meet soon, our love #HBDtoWONHO #HopeToSeeYouWonDay," wrote @Jooherfection.

Wonho's departure was preceded by a series of allegations about his life before he joined the band, including the use of marijuana, which is illegal in South Korea. The use of illegal substances is a serious offense in South Korea that can carry a sentence of up to around five years in prison.

The band's label, Starship Entertainment, denied the accusations on Wonho's behalf at the time in a statement saying it would take legal action regarding the "malicious and distorted claims" against Wonho and Monsta X.

But the growing tension saw Wonho announce his exit in a letter addressed to fans where he apologized for his failure to "keep the promise that I would only provide good memories to our fans and for causing them pain."

"Furthermore, I apologize for causing concern to many people due to my personal issues. I have received undeserving blessings and love while promoting as a MONSTA X member. I sincerely thank you for making precious memories for me," he wrote.

Starship also confirmed in a statement, "We greatly respect Wonho's decision [to leave Monsta X] who wants to make sure the recent chain of events doesn't distract from all of the exciting things are happening for MONSTA X now and what lies ahead in the future. We will continue to hold legal liability for malicious and distorted claims related to this matter."

Outraged fans have since rallied together in the past few months, urging Starship to reinstate Wonho into the group, claiming he was unfairly dismissed from the band based on "rumors without evidence" and that Wonho was "failed by the system."

The remaining six members of Monsta X released their new album All About Luv earlier this month. The new record marks their first all-English album and features several songs written by Wonho as well as his vocals.

Formed in 2014, Monsta X gained an international following in recent years boosted by their appearances on various major American television shows, including Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The North American leg of Monsta X's concert tour kicks off on June 2 and continues through selected dates through July 11.