Famous Comedian Exposed For Being In Severe Gambling Debt, Revealed To Have Borrowed 100 Million Won From BTS Jimin And Other Celebrities
Famous Comedian Lee Jin Ho has voluntarily confessed to illegal gambling and its been revealed that he borrowed a lot of money from many celebrities including BTS Jimin.
According to a report from Ten Asia on the 14th of October, Lee Jin Ho borrowed money not only from BTS’s Jimin but also from singer Young Tak, Ha Sung Woon, and fellow comedian Lee Soo Geun. He reportedly even resorted to using private loans.
The report also stated that after borrowing money from producers, writers, and eventually even the acquaintances of some celebrities, fellow entertainers are planning to file fraud charges against Lee Jin Ho and apply for seizure of his appearance fees.
Specifically, the media outlet claimed, “In 2022, Lee Jin Ho approached BTS’s Jimin, saying he urgently needed money and borrowed 100 million won [73,494] but did not repay it.” Jimin reportedly told him at the time, “Just pay it back within 10 years,” realizing that Lee had no intention of repaying the debt. However, Lee continued his wrongful actions, borrowing money from other celebrities, further fueling public outrage.
Later, Big Hit Entertainment confirmed the reports and stated, “It is true that Jimin suffered financial damage,” and explained, “The money was lent based on a written loan agreement.”
On the morning of the 14th, Lee Jin Ho posted on Instagram, “I am writing this to confess my shameful past. In 2020, I started playing on an illegal online gambling site and ended up with debts that were too large to handle.”
He continued, “After receiving stern advice from friends and facing the fear of possibly not being able to work in the industry I love anymore, I finally came to my senses and was able to stop gambling, but by then, I had already received financial help from many people. I am now repaying the money steadily every month and plan to repay all my debts with my own efforts, even if it takes until my death.”
He admitted that he suffered from constant anxiety, saying, “I am deeply ashamed and sorry. As a public figure on television, I forgot my responsibilities and ruined my past with a single wrong decision. I sincerely regret those days. I also bow my head in apology to those who were disappointed by my attempts to hide the trouble I caused. I will cooperate fully with the police investigation and accept the consequences of my actions.”
The controversy has already disrupted the programs in which Lee Jin Ho was participating. He suddenly did not attend the press conference for Netflix’s Comedy Revenge held on the 14th, just one day before the show’s release on the 15th. Additionally, he has been a cast member on JTBC’s Knowing Bros.
His agency, SM C&C, stated, “We are discussing future actions with the production team,” but as suspicions grow that the agency was aware of Lee’s illegal activities and allowed him to continue appearing on shows, the backlash is expected to intensify.