BTS Jimin and Other Celebrities Deceived by Lee Jin-ho's Gambling Debts
BTS Jimin and Other Celebrities Deceived by Lee Jin-ho's Gambling Debts
Numerous celebrities, including BTS's Jimin and Lee Soo-geun, were deceived by Lee Jin-ho, who incurred debts due to illegal gambling. Lee misled his victims by claiming urgent financial needs due to family issues and tax payments, promising to use the money only for a short period.

On the 14th, it was confirmed by this publication that Lee Jin-ho admitted to a representative from the victimized artists' agency that the reasons he gave for borrowing money were lies. He even avoided contact after borrowing money from some celebrities. The victims, unaware of similar cases, later discovered the truth and suffered significant mental distress.

When asked about the financial damage to celebrities caused by Lee Jin-ho's illegal gambling, his agency, SM C&C, quickly released a statement to avoid legal repercussions and garner sympathy. The statement claimed that Lee had managed to quit gambling. However, it was confirmed that Lee continued borrowing money from acquaintances as recently as August, struggling with debts from gambling.

Victims of Lee's deceit included BTS's Jimin, Lee Soo-geun, Ha Sung-woon, and numerous broadcasting personnel. Lee borrowed money by fabricating stories such as urgent family matters or tax payments. Despite the varied excuses, there was no evidence that Lee repaid the money within the promised timeframe. Some celebrities, who lent money without a promissory note, now face potential tax penalties, as the transactions are considered 'gifts' rather than 'loans' by tax authorities. These celebrities, who acted out of goodwill, are now facing consecutive losses. If they fail to pay the taxes, they could be penalized for tax evasion, forcing them to pay first and later prove through litigation that the transactions were loans, not gifts.

According to HYBE, Lee approached BTS's Jimin in 2022, borrowing 100 million won, claiming he needed it for just a week. Although a promissory note was made, Lee did not honor it. Jimin, realizing Lee's lack of intent to repay, generously told him to repay within ten years.

Lee also attempted to borrow money from other cast members of his variety show, JTBC's 'Knowing Bros.' Lee Soo-geun was notably affected, suffering losses of at least tens of millions of won. Lee even borrowed money from people around Lee Soo-geun, using his name. As a result, Lee Soo-geun had to repay his acquaintances on Lee's behalf, suffering significant material and mental damage.


Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr