Actor Lee Jang-woo Apologizes Over Unpaid Ingredient Fees at His Restaurant

Actor Lee Jang-woo has issued a public apology regarding the controversy over unpaid ingredient fees at his restaurant.

On the 20th, Lee Jang-woo took to his social media to express his apologies, stating, "I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by this controversy and to Mr. A, who has suffered for a long time without receiving payment."

He explained his silence following the initial reports, saying, "While it was unfortunate to see speculation spread, I believed that speaking based on inaccurate facts could exacerbate the situation. As a public figure, I was also concerned that my statements might inadvertently harm others."

Was a 20-year friendship the root of the unpaid fees?

Lee clarified, "Hosukchon paid the meat supply fees to Mujin as per the contract, but Mujin failed to pay Mr. A, leading to this controversy." He added, "I trusted the former representative of Hosukchon, a 20-year friend, to responsibly manage the dealings with Mujin. However, I only learned through the reports that he was also an auditor at Mujin and that payments to Mr. A were delayed."

He admitted, "Not verifying the entire transaction structure was my oversight, and I deeply reflect on this."

What solutions has Lee Jang-woo proposed?

Lee stated, "It appears Mujin supplied meat to other clients besides Hosukchon. Once the supply to Hosukchon is confirmed, I will resolve the issue by treating the amount as a loan to Mujin, contingent on Mujin reimbursing Mr. A." He also expressed his commitment to ensuring Mr. A receives his rightful payment promptly.

He continued, "This incident will lead to a comprehensive review of the transaction structures and payment statuses of Hosukchon and related businesses. Should similar issues arise, I will take decisive action, including legal measures." He added, "In future business operations, I will establish an independent verification system rather than relying solely on personal trust to prevent such incidents from recurring."

In conclusion, Lee stated, "Regardless of legal responsibility, I feel deeply accountable for the harm caused to those who trusted my name in their dealings."

Previously, Mr. A, who runs a meat distribution company, claimed that Lee Jang-woo's restaurant had not paid 40 million won for ingredients for eight months. Initially, payments were made on time, but over time, the payment cycle lengthened, and some months went unpaid. According to Mr. A, the unpaid amount increased to 64 million won by January 2025.

Below is Lee Jang-woo's full statement:

First, I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by this controversy.

I also express my sincere apologies and regrets to Mr. A, who has suffered for a long time without receiving payment.

I ask for your understanding for not providing a detailed explanation following the initial reports.

While it was unfortunate to see speculation spread, I believed that speaking based on inaccurate facts could exacerbate the situation. As a public figure, I was also concerned that my statements might inadvertently harm others.

It took time to thoroughly verify the facts, and I ask for your understanding.

As you may have learned from the reports, Hosukchon paid the full amount for the meat supplied by Mr. A to Mujin as per the contract.

This controversy arose because Mujin did not pay Mr. A the amount received from Hosukchon.

The former representative of Hosukchon is a 20-year friend of mine. I trusted him to responsibly manage the dealings with Mujin as Hosukchon's representative. However, I only learned through the reports that he was also an auditor at Mujin and that payments to Mr. A were delayed.

Not verifying the entire transaction structure was my oversight, and I deeply reflect on this.

It appears Mujin supplied meat to other clients besides Hosukchon.

Once the supply to Hosukchon is confirmed, I will resolve the issue by treating the amount as a loan to Mujin, contingent on Mujin reimbursing Mr. A.

I will do my utmost to ensure Mr. A receives his rightful payment promptly.

This incident will lead to a comprehensive review of the transaction structures and payment statuses of Hosukchon and related businesses. Should similar issues arise, I will take decisive action, including legal measures. Additionally, in future business operations, I will establish an independent verification system rather than relying solely on personal trust to prevent such incidents from recurring.

I did not start this business lightly or solely for profit.

The more I engage in this industry, the more I bow my head in respect to those in the food service and self-employed sectors.

Despite starting with the advantage of being a celebrity, I have painfully realized that the food service industry is not easy.

Therefore, this controversy feels even heavier.

Regardless of legal responsibility, I feel deeply accountable for the harm caused to those who trusted my name in their dealings.

I will take full responsibility to ensure Mr. A's issue is resolved swiftly.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Lee Jang-woo

By Soo-min Lee, Ten Asia Reporter danbilee19@tenasia.co.kr