BIGHIT MUSIC Confirms BTS’ Jimin Lost 100 Million Won in Scam Involving Comedian Lee Jin-ho

On October 14, 2024, Star News reported that BTS member Jimin was a victim of financial fraud orchestrated by comedian Lee Jin-ho. The report indicated that Lee Jin-ho had solicited financial assistance from various celebrities, including Jimin, and borrowed 100 million KRW (approximately $73,657.81) in 2022, backed by a promissory note.

BIGHIT MUSIC, which is now known as HYBE Labels, verified that Jimin had lent this sum to Lee Jin-ho and has not received repayment. The company stated:

“It is accurate that financial harm has occurred as outlined in the report; the transaction was merely a loan based on an IOU.”(translated via Google).

Lee Jin-ho, recognized for his appearance on the popular South Korean show Knowing Bros, had previously admitted to engaging in illegal gambling. On the same day, he publicly confessed to soliciting funds from multiple celebrity acquaintances under the guise of financial emergencies, subsequently using the money for gambling without their consent. In a post on Instagram, he remarked:

“I am penning this to acknowledge my regrettable past, which stemmed from poor judgments. I stumbled upon illegal online gambling in 2020 and found myself in substantial debt.”

Lee Jin-ho reveals gambling issues and financial misconduct involving BTS’ Jimin and other celebrities

In his letter published on October 14, Lee Jin-ho admitted to struggling with gambling addiction that started in 2020 and sought financial help for gambling from numerous individuals.

In addition to Jimin, it was reported that Lee Jin-ho received funds from singer Ha Sung-woon, Young Tak, and Lee Soo-geun of Knowing Bros fame. The comedian has claimed to have quit gambling and is now striving to repay his debts.

“Thanks to the stern counsel of friends and the fear of losing the job I cherish, I finally recognized my mistakes and stopped gambling. However, I had already received financial support from many. I am committed to repaying my debts consistently each month, and intend to do so on my own strength for the rest of my life.”

Lee Jin-ho shared that he spent considerable time reflecting before coming forward and was apprehensive about public exposure. He issued an apology for his actions, stating:

“The monetary loss is significant, yet more than that, I feel immense regret towards those who trusted me and lent me money… I feared that this would be revealed to the public at any moment. I vow to settle my remaining debts, no matter the circumstances. I sincerely apologize to everyone disappointed by my actions that have caused social controversy.”

He concluded his letter by emphasizing his readiness to fully cooperate with the police investigation and to take responsibility for his decisions.

In related news, BTS’ Jimin has been fulfilling his military service in South Korea since December 12, 2023, and is expected to re-enter the entertainment scene in June 2025. Additionally, Jimin’s second solo album, MUSE, was released by BIGHIT MUSIC on July 19, 2024.

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