[Exclusive] Tak Jaehoon to Take Legal Action Over Kim Yongho's Overseas Gambling Allegations... Lee Jongwon Denies Habitual Offense (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Singer and broadcaster Tak Jae-hoon has announced a legal response regarding allegations of illegal gambling abroad in the Philippines. Lee Jong-won admitted to small-scale gambling in the past but completely denied habitual gambling allegations.

On the morning of the 28th, Tak Jae-hoon explained to this outlet, "The content broadcasted through Kim Yong-ho's YouTube channel is not true." ([Exclusive] Tak Jae-hoon: "The broadcast content is different from the facts, preparing legal response" Exclusive report on the 28th)

Tak Jae-hoon further stated, "We are currently preparing for legal action," expressing a strong stance. He added, "We are currently recording," and "The official statement will be organized and announced later."

On the same day, actor Lee Jong-won also explained in an interview with Korea Economic Daily, "I did go to that place, and I did gamble about 200,000 won, but it was like buying a lottery ticket on the street." He continued, "I am not currently gambling," and "If investigated, everything will come out," he explained.

Regarding the ongoing claims that he is gambling, Lee Jong-won said, "At that time, I had a 'second house' kind of place in the Philippines. I went there to rest, went with my family when it was cold, and played golf, which I like. Naturally, I got to know people there and went once when they asked, 'Do you want to try?' It was not that I was going back and forth to the Philippines because of gambling," he denied again.

However, he stated that he would not take legal action. Lee Jong-won said, "I don't know much about the law, so I don't know if the amount I gambled will be a problem or if I will be investigated by the police," adding, "If I had spent a large amount of money there and exchanged currency, it would be considered 'hawala,' and I would have been caught during the investigation."

On this day, both Tak Jae-hoon and Lee Jong-won, who were simultaneously embroiled in allegations of illegal overseas gambling, expressed reluctance regarding habitual gambling allegations. Tak Jae-hoon announced a strong stance, preparing for legal action, while Lee Jong-won admitted to past gambling allegations but explained it was a one-time event. However, he showed a cautious stance regarding legal action.

Earlier, on the 27th, Kim Yong-ho posted a video titled "Celebrity Gambling Addicts, Real Names Revealed" on his YouTube channel 'Kim Yong-ho Entertainment Chief.'

Through the video, Kim Yong-ho claimed that broadcaster Tak Jae-hoon and actor Lee Jong-won engaged in illegal gambling. He said he received a tip that Tak Jae-hoon gambled at the Okada Hotel casino in the Philippines in April-May 2018.

Kim Yong-ho said, "Real names of those involved in Kang Sung-beom's private gambling room should be revealed to raise awareness," and "Tak Jae-hoon gambles openly in the private gambling room." However, in the recording released by Kim Yong-ho, Tak Jae-hoon denied, saying, "I don't have that kind of money."

In the released recording, Tak Jae-hoon said, "I don't know who said that, but I don't have that kind of money," denying the allegations.

Lee Jong-won explained, "I don't distribute enough to gamble that much. Even three years ago, I was still paying off loans." He added, "I won't say I never gambled. I gambled about 200,000 won on a machine."

Previously, on the 20th, Kim Yong-ho claimed that comedian Kang Sung-beom and actor Kwon Sang-woo engaged in illegal overseas gambling. Both parties completely denied the allegations, calling them groundless.

Meanwhile, Tak Jae-hoon debuted as a singer in 1995 with the release of "The Path I Chose." He is currently appearing on SBS's "My Ugly Duckling" and is scheduled to appear on MBC's "Nation of Trot."

Lee Jong-won debuted as a CF model in 1988, has appeared in numerous dramas and films, and appeared on tvN's "Escape the Nest" in 2017.