Police Decide Not to Prosecute Yoo Jaehwan
Due to Insufficient Evidence
The police have decided not to indict composer and broadcaster Yoo Jae-hwan, who was accused of 'composition fee fraud' and other charges.
According to the police on the 20th, the Gangseo Police Station in Seoul ruled on the 10th that Yoo Jae-hwan, who was accused of fraud, had no charges due to insufficient evidence and decided not to prosecute.
Yoo Jae-hwan, who gained recognition through MBC's entertainment program 'Infinite Challenge' and appeared on various variety shows, became the center of controversy last April when a post was made accusing him of "taking 1.3 million won for composition fees but giving no songs for two years, using excuses such as hospital visits, accidents, and panic attacks." Similar cases were subsequently revealed, spreading the controversy. Later, 23 people who claimed to have been harmed by Yoo Jae-hwan filed a fraud complaint against him, stating that "even though Yoo Jae-hwan had no intention or ability to compose, he received a total of about 55 million won from 23 people."
However, the police judged that there was insufficient evidence to consider that Yoo Jae-hwan had no intention or ability to compose. The police based their decision on factors such as "confirmation that some applicants had released music after reviewing the submitted evidence," "confirmation that Yoo had signed a lease contract for a related studio to smoothly carry out the project," and "confirmation that applicants agreed to write lyrics themselves, which caused production delays, as stated by Yoo Jae-hwan."
After the decision of no indictment, Yoo Jae-hwan said in an interview with YTN star, "I still feel deeply remorseful," adding, "Although I was cleared of charges, I don't feel entirely relieved. I just feel like the misunderstanding has been lifted." He continued, "In life, things rarely go as planned," and expressed regret, saying, "I started this with good intentions, but it turned into a misunderstanding, which was very disappointing."
Yoo Jae-hwan also revealed his feelings, saying, "I attempted an extreme choice and was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward for a while," and "Then my mother suddenly passed away, and I went through a very difficult time where normal daily life was almost impossible. Even basic tasks like eating or washing were hard, and I suffered from financial hardship, which was very tough."
Currently in a "bankrupt state," Yoo Jae-hwan expressed his determination to continue with music. He said, "The feeling of helplessness from not being able to work was the hardest part," adding, "After going through this, since I am someone who has done music, I feel I should repay through music. Although it is difficult, I am thinking of trying to play the keyboard again."
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