Lee Jin-ho, a comedian, admitted to illegal gambling and faced police questioning, expressing remorse and promising to repay debts.
October/23/2024 15:55
Comedian Lee Jin-ho, who admitted to illegal gambling, was questioned by the police. Yesterday (22nd) around 5 PM, he finished about 3 hours of questioning at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul. He did not answer questions from reporters such as, 'Did you admit to all the suspicions of habitual gambling?' 'Is it true that you borrowed money from people around you to fund gambling?' 'Do you have anything to say to colleagues who were harmed?' However, when asked, 'What did you state in the investigation?' he said, 'I received the investigation sincerely,' and added, 'If I have to appear again for questioning, I will also receive it sincerely.' When asked if he had anything to say to his fans, he apologized, saying, 'I am sorry for causing controversy again.' Photo = Channel A news screen capture. Lee Jin-ho arrived at the Gangnam Police Station around 1:55 PM that day. This was eight days after he was accused of habitual gambling and fraud. He bowed his head and said to reporters, 'I will sincerely receive the investigation' and 'I am sorry.' Previously, on the 14th, he confessed through his Instagram, 'In 2020, I accidentally started playing on an illegal gambling site and ended up with unmanageable debt.' He also said, 'After receiving harsh advice from acquaintances and fearing that I might not be able to continue this job I love, I later decided to quit gambling, but I had already received financial support from many people.' He promised, 'I will repay the debts that remain no matter what. I sincerely apologize to many who were disappointed by my attempts to hide this. I will sincerely receive the police investigation and pay the price for my mistakes. I am truly sorry.' It has been revealed that he borrowed money from acquaintances in the entertainment industry, including BTS's Jimin, singer Yong-tak, Wanna One's Ha Sung-woon, and comedian Lee Soo-geun. In particular, it was shocking to learn that he borrowed 100 million won (about 1 million USD) from Jimin. Lee Jin-ho's debts reportedly amount to 2.3 billion won (about 2.3 million USD). As a result, he was dismissed from his role as a public ambassador for Hwaseong City and was removed from the regular cast of JTBC's variety show 'Knowing Bros.' Additionally, recently released behind-the-scenes footage from Netflix's 'Comedy Revenge' was edited. Lee Jin-ho debuted as a comedian in 2005 through SBS's special recruitment and became known through programs like SBS's 'People Who Seek Laughter,' MBC's 'Hatanza,' and tvN's 'Comedy Big League.'
Related Articles
On the morning of the 31st, BTS members SUGA, J-HOPE, and Jimin arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport after finishing their North America tour, 'ARIRANG'. The article includes photos from local media, and it notes that BTS also won a major award at the American Music Awards after five years.
On the afternoon of the 30th, BTS members Jin, Jungkook, RM, and V returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport after their successful North American tour, which attracted approximately 840,000 fans. As anticipation builds for their upcoming Busan concert, President Lee Jae-myung has called for measures to address rising accommodation costs, warning it could harm the city's image.
BTS's 5th full album 'ARIRANG' maintains its position at No. 2 on the 'Weekly Top Album Global' chart and has achieved gold certification in the UK. The title track 'SWIM' ranks 4th globally and has seen significant movement in various charts. BTS continues to dominate with multiple tracks charting and is set to conclude their North American tour soon.
BTS kicked off their North America tour in Tampa, performing 15 sold-out shows across five cities. The tour generated significant economic impact, with estimates of up to $2 billion in local benefits. Their performances not only showcased their music but also heightened interest in Korean culture, as noted by local media and academic experts. BTS's influence was evident in their interactions with local leaders and communities, further solidifying their global impact.
BTS's music video for '2.0' from their 5th album 'ARIRANG' surpassed 100 million views on YouTube. The video features a creative homage to the film 'Oldboy' and highlights BTS's evolution with a captivating performance. The song, blending hip-hop and trap, showcases their confidence and has charted on Billboard's HOT 100, demonstrating their significant impact in the global music scene.
As BTS's concert in Busan approaches, hotel prices have skyrocketed, with some rates increasing by up to 3.3 times. President Lee Jae-myung urged for improvements to prevent damage to Busan's image and called for fair pricing practices. Local authorities are taking measures to address the issue and ensure a positive experience for fans.
Jungkook of BTS raised questions about the sudden suspension of his Instagram account, which Instagram attributed to violations of intellectual property policies. He posted a question mark on Twitter after discovering the suspension. Meanwhile, BTS recently made a successful comeback with their album 'ARIRANG' and is currently on a world tour, performing in various cities.
In June, satellite theater showcases BTS live performances and variety shows, including their special '2016 BTS LIVE' and SS501's 'Heart to Heart' event. Classic dramas like '1% Miracle' and 'Paris Lovers' are also featured, appealing to K-POP and drama enthusiasts alike.
Jungkook of BTS surprised fans by releasing a Vlog that captures his daily life during the world tour. The video features behind-the-scenes moments, including his preparations for performances and interactions with bandmates. Fans expressed their joy and appreciation, leading to over 37 million views within a day.
BTS raises concerns about skyrocketing hotel prices ahead of their Busan concert, urging for fair treatment of fans. RM, Jimin, and Jungkook express disappointment over the situation, highlighting the need for affordable accommodations as fans plan their visits. Many fans report canceled bookings and are considering day trips instead.
