[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Actress Son Dam-bi and Jung Ryeo-won’s representatives denied allegations that they received money and gifts from Kim, who impersonated a fisheries businessman to conduct lobbying.
Earlier, Kim, who is accused of carrying out a fraud scheme worth approximately 11.6 billion KRW by impersonating a fisheries businessman, testified during a police investigation that he provided money and gifts to celebrities and influential figures, including a current prosecutor. In relation to this, SBS’s investigative journalism program "Unanswered Questions" aired a report on the case on the 28th.
According to "Unanswered Questions," Kim introduced himself as a fisheries businessman from Guryongpo, Pohang, and lobbied various political and business figures by promising huge profits through a so-called "Seondong squid" business. He enticed victims by claiming that investing in a business that rapidly freezes squid caught on boats would yield more than triple financial returns.
Additionally, it was revealed that Kim provided dozens of celebrities not only with various seafood products but also luxury wallets and high-end cars, intensifying the controversy. Kim’s "gift list" included a current chief prosecutor, police station chief, and a broadcasting anchor. A total of eight suspects, including former special prosecutor Park Young-soo who investigated the Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil political scandal, have been booked by the police on charges of violating the Anti-Graft Act and are under investigation.
Regarding this, on the 27th, Daegyeong Ilbo published a report stating that "Kim gained favor with Son Dam-bi by providing luxury goods and foreign cars." According to the report, Kim gave Son Dam-bi cash worth about 7 million KRW along with various luxury bags and accessories, and also gifted a car to actress Jung Ryeo-won, who became acquainted through Son Dam-bi. However, as the relationship between Kim and Son Dam-bi deteriorated, it was also reported that Son Dam-bi’s side returned cash and goods worth about 100 million KRW to Kim.
However, Son Dam-bi and Jung Ryeo-won’s representatives completely denied these allegations. Their agency, H&Entertainment, stated in an official position on the 28th, "Kim approached the filming site during the 2019 drama shoot, claiming to be a fan of Son Dam-bi and brought drinks and snacks as gifts," adding, "(Kim) unilaterally offered expensive gifts, but (Son Dam-bi’s side) returned everything without exception."
H&Entertainment also clarified the suspicion that Jung Ryeo-won received a car as a gift from Kim, explaining, "She purchased a used car," and released a screenshot of the bank statement showing Jung Ryeo-won transferred 35 million KRW to Kim’s account. They further explained, "At a gathering with several people present, Kim first mentioned having connections in the car industry," and "Jung Ryeo-won, who was looking to replace her car, asked if he could find a model she was interested in," adding, "Kim said his younger brother owns a used car company and could find the model, so she purchased the used car."
They added, "The false information related to Jung Ryeo-won and Son Dam-bi is causing serious damage," and warned, "We will hold those responsible for spreading false information, malicious online posts, and comments accountable without leniency through civil and criminal actions."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
