Sung Yu-ri, silenced for 18 days on 'investigation of suspect Ahn Seong-hyun'

18 days have passed since the interrogation of a suspect related to professional golfer Ahn Seong-hyun's fraud. Spouse Sung Yu-ri continues to remain silent regarding her husband's case. Although we cannot hastily comment on the matter under investigation, there is a response from the entertainment industry that it is 'disappointing' that even the fans who have loved Sung Yu-ri for a long time have not even said a word.

On the 7th, Ahn Seong-hyun was interrogated as a suspect (substantive warrant review) before his arrest at the Seoul Southern District Court. Previously, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office requested an arrest warrant for Ahn Seong-hyun on charges of violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (fraud) and breach of trust. The prosecution's judgment is that Ahn Seong-hyun took advantage of his close relationship with Kang Jong-hyun, who is suspected of being the actual owner of the virtual currency exchange 'Bithumb', to receive billions of won in money and valuables under the pretext of listing virtual currency on Bithumb. However, the court dismissed the warrant request on the grounds that there was no risk of flight. It is reported that the prosecution plans to continue the investigation and indict Mr. Ahn without detention.

From the beginning, Ahn Seong-hyun and Sung Yu-ri were busy 'cutting off' whenever Kang Jong-hyun's name came up. However, the prosecution believes that Ahn Seong-hyun and Kang Jong-hyun are in a close relationship. It is known that Kang Jong-hyun borrowed Ahn Seong-hyun's luxury foreign car 'Maybach'. Seong-Hyun Ahn was also a member of 'Bit Galaxia', the predecessor of 'Initial', in which Jong-Hyun Kang was embroiled in suspicions of circular shareholding. This means that there are parts that are intertwined in personal and business relationships.

Sung Yu-ri is also not free from this relationship. His wife, Seong Yu-ri, signed a contract with Bucket Studio, a Bithumb shareholder, in 2019. Sung Yu-ri, who worked at Bucket Studio for about a year and a half, chose Initial Entertainment (formerly Double A Entertainment) as her next destination. Initial Enter's CEO Kim is a major investor in Bithumb's largest shareholder, Vidente. CEO Kim owns at least 300,000 shares. The current value is 1.3 billion won.

The cosmetics company headed by Sung Yu-ri received an investment of 3 billion won from Bucket Studio. The company, which had a capital of 700 million won, was able to use the investment money to expand its business. When suspicions regarding ‘Bithumb’ arose in the media, the company returned 3 billion won. They belatedly drew a line, saying, “This is a company unrelated to Bucket Studio.”

The suspicions began already six months ago. Sung Yu-ri cut off communication with everyone, leaving only the words “I don’t know.” On the 25th, Ten Asia contacted Director and Management Director Seong Yu-ri several times, but received no response.

Sung Yu-ri's staff does not even receive contact from Initial Entertainment employees. CEO Kim is also known to have handed over authority, saying, “All affairs of Sung Yu-ri are handled by the director.”

Even if Sung Yu-ri was not directly involved in this incident, it cannot be completely free from controversy. If you receive an investment of 3 billion won and do not properly research the investment company, that in itself is problematic. It is pointed out that although there may have been no problems in the business sense, it would be difficult for them to avoid responsibility as a couple as Ahn Seong-hyun is suspected of being involved. This is because, legally, a couple is recognized as an economic community that shares economic interests unless they strictly share financial relationships.

Moreover, Sung Yu-ri is a star entertainer who debuted 25 years ago. We have come to this point thanks to the public’s interest and love. It is difficult for the family members involved in the ongoing risk, but the fans also cannot hide their disappointment. Rather than remaining silent, you should 'apologize if you apologize, and give an explanation if you need an explanation.' At the very least, there is a need for an appeal to wait as the investigation is ongoing. At least that is courtesy to the fans. As the silence gets longer, my disappointment in her also increases. There are still many fans waiting for Sung Yu-ri's successful return.

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr