VIXX recently celebrated their 13th anniversary by sharing a group photo with fans, acknowledging their journey and strong bond. Notably absent from the picture were former members Hongbin and Ravi, who departed from the group due to a military service scandal.

On May 25th, member Cha Hak Yeon (N) took to his personal social media to express gratitude, mentioning, “It’s been 13 years already. Thank you, thank you so much,” alongside a cheerful group photo featuring the current members—Leo, Ken, N, and Hyuk. VIXX has been captivating fans since their debut on May 24th, 2012, with popular tracks like "Chained Up", "Shangri-La", "Error", and "Scentist", receiving love for their distinctive concepts and artistry.

The anniversary photo highlighted the enduring friendship and teamwork within the group, although Ravi's absence served as a reminder of the controversies surrounding the team. Ravi was found guilty of attempting to avoid military service by colluding with a broker to obtain a false epilepsy diagnosis, resulting in a suspended one-year prison sentence with two years of probation.

In a public apology following the trial, Ravi expressed regret for the impact of his actions, saying, “I deeply apologize to the fans who have supported me for so long.” He acknowledged the hurt caused to actual epilepsy patients and vowed to live with a sense of remorse. Ravi explained that, as the company's main revenue-generating artist at the time, he feared penalties for delaying military service due to COVID-19, leading to a “foolish and cowardly choice.”

Meanwhile, Hongbin, who had left the group in 2020, also did not partake in the anniversary celebration, with the photo featuring only the current official members.

Fans responded warmly to the post, expressing sentiments like, “Happy 13th anniversary! Let’s continue to stay together for a long time,” and praising the members for their sincerity.

Recognized as “concept idols” early in their career, VIXX gained recognition for intricate storytelling and dynamic performances, particularly with songs like "Chained Up" and "Shangri-La". As they mark their 13th year, the group remains appreciative of their fans and reflects on the significance of standing together through challenges.