On the 26th, an entertainment media outlet reported that "Lee Chun-soo was a key witness in the 2022 political fund law violation case involving Congressman Yoon Han-hong."
According to the report, during the investigation surrounding Jeon Seong-bae, known as 'Geonjin Monk', who is accused of receiving 1 billion won in nomination bribes, Lee testified that he "witnessed the delivery of a shopping bag and overheard phone conversations."
In 2020, Lee was also linked to the 'Queen Bee Coin' price surge and drop incident. At the time, Lee was reportedly paid 2.75 million won monthly as an 'advisor' for Queen Bee Company. This coin project involved Bae Yong-joon and Sookmyung Women's University Professor Kim Ki-young. Criticized as a non-existent business, it was transferred to a liquidation dealer, with estimated damages of about 15 billion won.
Additionally, Lee's name appeared in the 2018 Giacometti special exhibition hosted by Cobana Contents. This exhibition led to First Lady Kim Kun-hee being investigated by a special prosecutor over corporate sponsorship allegations. Lee attended the event with celebrities like comedian Park Hwi-soon and singer Kim Yong-jun and took commemorative photos with Kim Kun-hee. According to insiders, Lee participated due to his connection with Jeon Seong-bae.
In the bankruptcy case of the postpartum care center 'Donggeurami', Lee's wife, Shim Ha-eun, was also mentioned. Lee received many benefits from this center. Shim Ha-eun was paid a salary from 2016 and was provided with a company vehicle. Records show that from 2017 to 2018, a monthly rent of 2.6 million won was transferred to Shim Ha-eun's account. The center entered corporate rehabilitation proceedings in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Earlier, on the 4th, Lee was sued for fraud by a long-time acquaintance, identified as A. A claimed, "Lee borrowed a total of 132 million won over nine occasions from November 2018 and failed to repay it."
According to the complaint, Lee told A in November 2018, "I have no immediate income, so please lend me living expenses." A explained that Lee promised to repay by the end of 2023, stating he planned to run a YouTube channel and a soccer school.
A sent money to Lee multiple times, believing in his promise to repay. A transferred a total of 132 million won over nine occasions, including 3 million won on the same day, to Shim Ha-eun's account by April 2, 2021. However, A claimed, "Lee cut off contact around fall 2021."
The complaint also alleged that Lee recommended investing in a 'foreign exchange futures trading' site and embezzled investment funds worth several hundred million won. Lee's side denied these claims, stating, "There was no introduction or recommendation of the site."
Lee's side admitted to borrowing money from A but explained, "A gave the money to use freely." They further stated, "For fraud to be established, there must be an intent to deceive, which was not present, so the fraud claim is unfounded."
Subsequently, A withdrew the lawsuit, citing a misunderstanding, and Shim Ha-eun posted on her social media, "Just do well," as a message to Lee.
Meanwhile, Lee married Shim Ha-eun in 2012, and they have a daughter, Joo-eun, born in 2013, and twins, Tae-gang and Joo-yul, born in 2020.
Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr