Police Question Comedian Lee Jin Ho on Gambling, Fraud Allegations

Illegal gambling operators in South Korea constantly reach new customers. This puts them at risk of prosecution while exposing them to potential gambling harm. In one recent case, a famous South Korean comedian accumulated a significant gambling debt due to a crippling addiction.

Lee Jin Ho Summoned by Police

The case involved the comedian who gained worldwide popularity for the show “Knowing Bros” on Netflix, Lee Jin Ho. Earlier this month, the comedian admitted that his addiction to online gambling amassed a debt and, in an effort, to cover that debt, he asked for money from many people, including celebrities such as BTS’ Jimin.

Now, Ho was reportedly interviewed by law enforcement after he admitted to his gambling and addiction on Instagram earlier this month. As announced by Korea JoongAng Daily, the comedian was summoned by the Seoul Gangnam Police Precinct on Tuesday. His interview comes at a time when law enforcement is investigating his actions. The comedian is reportedly facing charges of fraud and compulsive gambling.

Law enforcement’s investigation into his actions will seek to determine how he was able to accumulate the large gambling debt. At the same time, Ho will undergo an assessment of whether or not he suffers from problem gambling.

The Comedian Will Cooperate with Police for the Investigation

Speaking to the press during his appearance at the police station on Tuesday, Ho said that he was sorry. Moreover, the famous comedian reiterated that he would cooperate with law enforcement in light of the investigation into his actions, something that he already confirmed when going public on Instagram earlier this month. At the time of the initial announcement, Ho said that he would not only collaborate with the investigation but that he was also prepared to “accept the consequences” of his actions.

As noted, one of the people who loaned money to Ho was BTS’ Jimin. Media reports confirmed that the star loaned some $73,000 to Ho and initially intended to keep the matter private. However, as reports emerged that the famous comedian asked for money from other celebrities, BIGHIT, the music agency behind Jimin, went public with the matter.

Despite the mistakes Ho made that saw him accumulate an “overwhelming” gambling debt, he admitted that he plans to pay back his loans in full.