South Korean comedian Lee Jin-ho admits borrowing money from BTS's Jimin for illegal gambling, apologizing for the controversy.
On social media, Jin-ho, a regular on popular variety show Knowing Bros said he began gambling online in an illegal site last 2020. He has since stepped down from the show due to the controversies.
“I will fully cooperate with the police investigation and accept the consequences of my actions,” he said, as quoted by a report of the Korea Times. Lee stated that he has been repaying his debts monthly and will continue to do so, while also cooperating with police investigations.
Entertainment industry sources detailed that several celebrities, including BTS member Jimin, were financially impacted by Lee’s actions. Lee has yet to repay the debts amounting to 100 million won from Jimin, which was sent in through online transfer in 2022.
Jimin’s agency BigHit confirmed he “incurred financial damage,” due to this while the loan was given with a “signed agreement.”
To cover his debts, Lee borrowed large sums of money from several celebrity friends, including comedian Lee Soo-geun, singer Young Tak, and Wanna One member Ha Sung Woon. Lee reportedly defrauded them of hundreds of millions of won.
“As reported, it is indeed true that financial losses have occurred [to Jimin]. He lent money with a signed promissory note.”
Knowing Bros’ network, JTBC, shared that they will “edit out as much of his previously filmed content as possible” following his decision to leave the program.
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