BTS’ Jimin Victim of Fraud by Comedian Lee Jin Ho over Gambling Debt

Across the globe, people affected by problem gambling can quickly pile up debt. This in turn pushes some into criminal activities such as theft, fraud, or even murder in some cases. A crippling gambling addiction is the main reason for the tarnished reputation of one popular South Korean comedian who accumulated debt and asked fellow celebrities for money to help him settle it.

Jimin Loaned $70K to Lle Jin Ho

This is the case of Lee Jin Ho, the famous comedian from South Korea who gained worldwide popularity for participating in the show “Knowing Bros” on Netflix. The comedian took to his personal page on Instagram to admit that he was suffering from a gambling addiction which pushed him into taking money from a range of people, including celebrities.

The news came out after a report by BIGHIT, the music agency, claimed that BTS’ Jimin agreed to give Lee Jin Ho a hefty loan of 100 KRW, or approximately $73,000. Per the report by the music agency, that loan was never paid back by the South Korean comedian.

BTS’ Jimin agreed not to disclose publicly details regarding the gambling loan initially. However, as claims by other victims from whom Lee Jin Ho reportedly took money surfaced, BIGHIT announced publicly the news.

Details on the matter are scarce but what’s known so far is that Jimin loaned the sum to Lee Jin Ho under a signed promissory note. This is a requirement that helps protect lenders in South Korea as in cases without such note, the lenders themselves may face liability due to unpaid taxes for gifts. While Jimin took such a measure, many other celebrities who loaned money to the comedian have not.

Poor Judgement Pushes the Comedian to Ask for Loans to Settle a Gambling Debt

In his post on Instagram, Lee Jin Ho said that he writes to confess his “shameful past” which was the result of poor judgment. The comedian admitted to engaging in illegal online gambling back in 2020. This activity resulted in an “overwhelming debt” for Lee Jin Ho, who was able to shake off the gambling addiction but not before seeking financial help from many people.

The popular actor confirmed that he intends to “pay off this debt in full.” Lee Jin Ho did not publicly disclose the size of his debt. It is also unknown how many people he received money from. “Lastly, I promise to repay the remaining debt no matter what. I sincerely apologize to those I disappointed by causing a social controversy and trying to hide it,” wrote Lee Jin Ho. Finally, he said that he would continue to collaborate with law enforcement in light of an investigation into his actions and “accept the consequences.”

Sadly, the actions of the comedian had immediate consequences on his career with Netflix, resulting in his exit from the popular show “Knowing Bros” amid the recent news.