ENTERTAINMENT
Actor Lee Jang-woo Addresses Controversy Over Unpaid Bills at Restaurant
According to Hunus Entertainment, Lee Jang-woo is a shareholder and participant in the operation of the restaurant 'Hoseokchon.' The full payment for supplies was made to the contracted company, Mujin, which failed to pay the actual supplier, Company A, leading to the current issue.
The agency stated, "There is no direct contractual relationship between Company A and Hoseokchon or actor Lee Jang-woo. Reports suggesting that Lee Jang-woo did not pay are not true." They also refuted claims that "Mujin was the owner of Hoseokchon," stating, "This is not true. Mujin never held shares in Hoseokchon, and Lee Jang-woo has no significant connection with Mujin."
Regarding claims that the supplier attempted to contact via social media, the agency explained, "Lee Jang-woo's personal account receives dozens of messages daily, and messages from non-followed accounts are categorized into a 'message request' folder, making immediate verification difficult." They clarified that the delay in checking these messages was not intentional.
Earlier, a media outlet reported allegations that 'Hoseokchon,' associated with Lee Jang-woo, failed to pay for food supplies on time.
According to the report, Mr. A, who runs a livestock distribution company in Cheonan, claimed he supplied pork heads, intestines, and other parts to the restaurant but did not receive timely payments. Initially, payments were made smoothly, but the payment cycle gradually lengthened, and some payments were missed, accumulating unpaid bills from November 2023 to May 2025.
Mr. A claimed the unpaid amount reached approximately 50 million won in November 2024 and 64 million won in January 2025. Although some payments were made, about 40 million won remains unpaid.
Mr. A also alleged that orders continued despite the accumulating unpaid bills. He expressed frustration, stating, "I trusted the business after seeing Lee Jang-woo personally check the meat quality before opening, but payments have been delayed for over a year."
The media reported that the operation of 'Hoseokchon' shifted from the corporation Mujin to the F&B company 'Horangi,' where Lee Jang-woo is listed as a director. 'Horangi' stated, "Lee Jang-woo only assisted for about two months after the opening and was not involved in operations afterward. The unpaid bills issue is the responsibility of Mr. B, an acquaintance of Lee Jang-woo."
Full Statement from Lee Jang-woo's Agency
Hello, this is Hunus Entertainment.
We address the recent controversy regarding actor Lee Jang-woo and the 'Hoseokchon unpaid bills' issue.
Actor Lee Jang-woo is a shareholder and participant in the operation of Hoseokchon. The full payment for supplies was made to the contracted company, Mujin, which failed to pay Company A, leading to the issue.
There is no direct contractual relationship between Company A and Hoseokchon or actor Lee Jang-woo. Reports suggesting that Lee Jang-woo did not pay are not true. Additionally, claims that 'Mujin was the owner of Hoseokchon' are false, as Mujin never held shares in Hoseokchon. Lee Jang-woo has no connection with Mujin.
However, we acknowledge a moral responsibility for not thoroughly verifying the intermediary company's actions within this transaction structure.
Regarding claims that the supplier attempted to contact via social media, Lee Jang-woo's account receives dozens of messages daily, and messages from non-followed accounts are categorized into a 'message request' folder, making immediate verification difficult. We clarify that the delay in checking these messages was not intentional.
We provide documentation confirming that Hoseokchon paid Mujin.
We express regret over misunderstandings caused by inaccurate reports and pledge to cooperate fully to resolve the issue amicably.
Thank you.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
