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On Monday, October 14, 2024, Star News reported that BTS' Jimin suffered financial damages due to comedian Lee Jin-ho's alleged scam. According to the report, Lee Jin-ho sought monetary help from celebrities such as BTS' Park Jimin‚ and more. Reportedly, he took 100 million KRW (approximately $73,657.81) in 2022 with a promissory note.
BIGHIT MUSIC (now HYBE Labels) confirmed that Jimin lent the money to Lee Jin-ho and never got it back. The company stated,
"It is true that financial damage occurred as reported, and all that was done was a loan using an IOU." (as per Google Translate).
Lee Jin-ho, who is known for being on the popular South Korean entertainment show, Knowing Bros, confessed to illegal gambling in the past. Earlier on October 14, the comedian admitted to asking for money from several celebrity friends under the pretense of an emergency. He then used the money for gambling without their knowledge. Lee Jin-ho said in his Instagram post,
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"I am writing this to confess my shameful past that was caused by my wrong judgment. In 2020, I started gambling on an illegal online gambling site by chance and ended up in debt that was difficult to handle."
Lee Jin-ho confesses to illegal gambling and taking money from BTS' Jimin, Ha Sung-woon, and more
In the letter, published on October 14, Lee Jin-ho acknowledged his gambling addictions, which began in 2020. He admitted to soliciting money for gambling from several individuals.
Reportedly, apart from BTS' Jimin, Lee Jin-ho took money from singer Ha Sung-won, Young Tak, and Lee Soo-geun from Knowing Bros. Meanwhile, the comedian claimed to have given up gambling and was attempting to use his hard-earned money to settle the debt.
"I was able to come to my senses and quit gambling belatedly thanks to the harsh advice of acquaintances and the fear that I might not be able to do this job that I love again, but I had already received financial help from many people. I have been paying off my debt steadily every month, and I plan to pay off this debt with my own strength until I die."
Lee Jin-ho expressed that he contemplated a lot before coming clean on the subject and was afraid of the world knowing about it. He apologized for his actions and said:
"The financial loss was a loss, but more than anything, I felt so sorry to those who trusted me and lent me money... I was afraid that this would be known to the world at any moment. I promise to pay off the debt that is left to me no matter what. I bow my head and apologize to the many people who were disappointed in me for causing a social controversy and trying to hide it."
He ended his letter by highlighting that he would cooperate fully with the police investigation and face the consequences of his choices.
In other news, BTS' Jimin has been serving in the South Korean military since December 12, 2023. He will return to the entertainment industry in June 2025. Meanwhile, Jimin's second solo album, MUSE, was released by BIGHIT MUSIC on July 19, 2024.
