"Youngtak Lent Money to Lee Jinho but Recovered the Full Amount"

Jinho Lee Requests Financial Help from Youngtak Over Tax Issues
"Will Recover Full Amount... No Financial Loss"

Singer Yeongtak confirmed that although it is true he lent money to comedian Lee Jin-ho, who admitted to illegal gambling, he has already been fully repaid and has suffered no financial loss.

On the 15th, Yeongtak's agency, Abyss Company, stated on Instagram, "Yeongtak has not suffered any financial damage from comedian Lee Jin-ho." They added, "Lee Jin-ho requested financial help from Yeongtak on July 18 of last year due to tax issues, and we provided assistance. The full amount was repaid on September 12. We are sharing the facts because many fans have expressed concern and worry."

Singer Youngtak is giving a greeting at the mini-album 'Super Super' showcase held on the afternoon of the 3rd of last month at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Lee Jin-ho revealed on his Instagram that he had been involved in illegal gambling since 2020 and had accumulated overwhelming debt. He confessed, "Thanks to the stern advice of acquaintances and the fear that I might no longer be able to do the work I love, I came to my senses late and was able to quit gambling, but by then I had already received financial help from many people." He continued, "I have been steadily repaying the money every month, and I intend to fully repay this debt with my own strength until the day I die. The financial loss is significant, but above all, I feel deeply sorry to those who trusted me and lent me money."

Subsequent reports revealed that Lee Jin-ho borrowed money not only from Yeongtak but also from BTS's Jimin, comedian Lee Soo-geun, singer Ha Sung-woon, and others. It is known that he borrowed money citing urgent needs related to his parents or to pay taxes.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Lee Jin-ho has liquidated all his assets and is currently living alone in a one-person officetel somewhere in Gyeonggi Province. JTBC's variety show "Knowing Bros," where Lee Jin-ho was a regular cast member, announced, "Lee Jin-ho will step down from the show starting from the next filming. We will also edit the existing footage as much as possible before airing." Lee Jin-ho joined "Knowing Bros" as the youngest member in 2021 and had been on the show for three years.

The following is the full statement from Yeongtak's agency, Abyss Company

Hello, this is Abyss Company.

Artist Yeongtak has not suffered any financial damage from comedian Lee Jin-ho. Due to tax issues, comedian Lee Jin-ho requested financial assistance from our artist Yeongtak on July 18 of last year, and we provided help. The full amount was repaid on September 12.

We are sharing the facts because many fans have expressed concern and worry.