[Full Text] 'High School Rapper' Choi Hamin Apologizes After Confessing Financial Hardship and Gambling, Then Deleting Post

"Health Insurance Premium 3.32 Million Won · 17 Months of National Pension Unpaid"

Choi Ha-min, who appeared on the Mnet audition program 'High School Rapper.' On the 1st, Choi Ha-min (Ocean Gem, 21), who gained recognition through 'High School Rapper,' posted a confession that he had gambled due to financial difficulties, then deleted the post and issued an apology. Photo by Mnet.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Choi Ha-min (Ocean Gem, 21), who gained fame through 'High School Rapper,' posted and then deleted a confession about gambling due to financial hardship, followed by an apology.

On the 1st, Choi Ha-min stated on Instagram, "I am a Christian, and my name is Choi Ha-min. I plan to take the GED test next April and want to enlist in the military immediately afterward."

He wrote, "I have unpaid health insurance fees amounting to 3.32 million won and 17 months of unpaid national pension contributions. These issues are too heavy for my age."

He continued, "I tried manual labor, but it was far from enough to save about 6 million won. I looked into loans, but there were no available products, and I ended up on the path of gambling. I barely scraped together some money, came home, lay down, and am asking for help through this post."

He added, "I want to transfer my Instagram account. If you cancel the official verification, I want to change the username and transfer it. I cannot handle this alone. I need everyone's support."

After the post caused controversy, Choi Ha-min deleted it. He also set his other posts to private.

Later, Choi Ha-min posted an apology on his Instagram story, writing, "I was reckless. Nothing has happened. I will work hard."

On the 1st, Choi Ha-min deleted his confession post after it sparked controversy and then posted an apology. Photo by Choi Ha-min Instagram capture.

Meanwhile, Choi Ha-min gained recognition as the runner-up on Mnet's audition program 'High School Rapper' in 2017.

Below is the full text of Choi Ha-min's post.

Hello, I am a Christian, and my name is Choi Ha-min. I plan to take the GED test next April and want to enlist in the military immediately afterward.

My Instagram account has a verification badge. Also, I have unpaid health insurance fees amounting to 3.32 million won and 17 months of unpaid national pension contributions. These issues are too heavy for my age.

I tried manual labor, but it was far from enough to save about 6 million won. I looked into loans, but there were no available products, and I ended up on the path of gambling. I barely scraped together some money, came home, lay down, and am asking for help through this post.

I want to transfer my Instagram account. If you cancel the official verification, I want to change the username and transfer it. I cannot handle this alone. I need everyone's support.

Thank you for reading this long post. If it is impossible, I will endure it. Thank you once again.