Korean Journalist Detained for Illegal Filming at Okada Manila Casino

October 1, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

On August 24, 2024, a Korean journalist was apprehended by security for attempting to illegally film inside the Dowinn Group’s junket room at Okada Manila. Following the incident, the journalist was handed over to local police. This event comes amid ongoing tensions between the Dowinn Group and certain Korean media outlets, which have published negative allegations against the company.

The Dowinn Group, which operates junket rooms in the Philippines, has been under scrutiny since March when the journalist began publishing articles critical of the organization. In these articles, allegations surfaced that Dowinn had failed to fulfill a payment for 30 slot machines ordered from Kangwon Land, a South Korean casino. Dowinn responded to these claims on June 24, asserting that they had decided against purchasing the machines after evaluating their profitability in the Philippines. They stated that the contract was terminated due to the non-pursuance of the machines.

Despite Dowinn’s clarifications, the Korean media outlet continued to claim that Kangwon Land was still awaiting payment, highlighting a supposed unfulfilled promise that had lingered for over a year. In a June 25 article, the outlet stated, “However, the promise has not been fulfilled for 1 year and 5 months,” further fueling speculation about the company’s financial status.

On June 27, the same media source published more alarming claims, suggesting that Dowinn was facing imminent bankruptcy. The article stated, “There are indications that bankruptcy is just a matter of time as the casino junket room of the Philippine Dowinn Group, which signed a contract to purchase Kangwon Land slot machines, is going through the process of closing down.” These claims were particularly damaging, especially given Dowinn’s efforts to reopen some of its junket rooms.

Dowinn has provided evidence to The Manila Times, including a letter sent to RGB Ltd., their contact at Kangwon Land, indicating that the contract had been terminated as early as June 29, 2023. This termination was well within the three-month deadline set after the company decided not to pursue the remaining machines. Dowinn has also shared this documentation with other Korean media outlets to counter the ongoing negative narrative.

The journalist’s reporting has raised questions about the accuracy of his sources. Dowinn contended that the reporter was misinformed and did not acknowledge the termination of the contract in his earlier articles. In a subsequent article dated July 17, the reporter finally admitted that the contract became invalid in May due to Kangwon Land’s decision to terminate it over nonpayment issues.

In addition to disputing the claims regarding its financial stability, Dowinn has also refuted allegations that chips from its junket rooms were confiscated, as stated by a supposed “local Korean community official.” Dowinn pointed out that their junket rooms had recently reopened, which would not be possible if chips had indeed been seized. The conflicting information raises concerns about the journalist’s credibility and the motives behind his reports.

As the situation escalated, Dowinn suspected the journalist of colluding with a competitor. They highlighted an incident that occurred while the journalist was being escorted to the police station, where he was seen contacting a person identified as affiliated with Dowinn’s rival. This raised further alarms for Dowinn, which is now pursuing a formal complaint against the journalist for unauthorized filming and other violations.

On August 23, the Dowinn Group officially filed a police case against the journalist for alleged unjust vexation and violation of house rules at the Parañaque City Tambo Police substation. The company has expressed its frustration with the continued negative coverage from the Korean outlet, asserting that such reporting could harm their business interests.