Borrowed 1.3 Billion Won from Loan Sharks
Over 1 Billion Won Lent to Celebrities
Financial Damage to BTS Jimin, Lee Soo-geun, Ha Sung-woon, and Others
Currently Liquidating All Assets... Living Alone in a Studio Apartment
Broadcaster Lee Jin-ho (38) revealed that he fell into internet illegal gambling and ended up with unmanageable debt, with media reports stating that his private loan debt alone amounts to 1.3 billion won.
On the 14th, 'SBS 8 News' reported, "Lee Jin-ho borrowed more than 1 billion won from fellow entertainers, and separately borrowed over 1.3 billion won from loan companies."
Lee Jin-ho was introduced to the CEO of loan company A through a fellow entertainer, and it is reported that loan company A trusted Lee Jin-ho's fame and provided unsecured short-term loans. Lee Jin-ho has been unable to repay this debt for over a year and was recently reported to have contacted the company, saying he would somehow repay the debt.
Lee Jin-ho also reached out to fellow entertainers for illegal gambling funds. Previously, 'Ten Asia' reported, "BTS member Jimin lent 100 million won to Lee Jin-ho with an IOU." Broadcasters Lee Soo-geun and singer Ha Sung-woon, who appeared with Lee Jin-ho on various entertainment programs, also suffered damages amounting to tens of millions of won. When borrowing money from colleagues, Lee Jin-ho said, "I urgently need money due to my parents' situation" and "I need money to pay taxes," and it was confirmed that the total borrowed amount reached 1 billion won.
In addition to these, executives, PDs, and writers at broadcasting stations are also reported to have suffered similar damages, and the number of victims is expected to continue increasing. Lee Jin-ho is currently reported to be living in a one-person officetel somewhere in Gyeonggi Province after disposing of all his assets.
Earlier, Lee Jin-ho confessed to illegal gambling through his Instagram. He stated, "In 2020, by chance, I started playing games on an internet illegal gambling site and ended up with unmanageable debt," adding, "Thanks to the stern advice of acquaintances and the fear that I might not be able to do the work I love again, I came to my senses late and was able to quit gambling, but I had already received financial help from many people."
He continued, "I am steadily repaying money every month and plan to repay all this debt with my own strength until I die," and apologized, saying, "The financial loss is one thing, but above all, I am very sorry to those who trusted me and lent me money."
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