Comedian Lee Jin Ho has been handed over to prosecutors for his involvement in an illegal gambling case, making headlines for borrowing a significant amount of money, including 100 million KRW (about $70,622) from BTS’s Jimin, to fund his gambling activities.
According to TenAsia on the 17th, the Seoul Gangnam Police recently sent Lee Jin Ho to prosecutors on charges related to illegal gambling. However, no charges were pressed regarding fraud, as the victims of the alleged scam did not provide statements.
The police are also continuing their investigation into the gambling site Lee Jin Ho allegedly used. He and others are facing charges of operating illegal gambling establishments.
Lee Jin Ho had previously acknowledged his illegal gambling activities in October last year through a post on Instagram. In his apology, he admitted to his poor judgment and the shameful past, which led him to come forward and confess.
Reports suggest that Lee Jin Ho borrowed more than 2 billion KRW (about $1.41 million) from colleagues in the entertainment industry, broadcasting staff, and acquaintances to finance his gambling. Among the debts, 100 million KRW was borrowed from BTS’s Jimin, while another 1.3 billion KRW (about $918,377) was borrowed from a loan company.
Following these revelations, Lee Jin Ho was formally investigated by the police. During the investigation, he admitted to most of the charges related to illegal gambling and expressed his intention to repay his debts.
As a result of the scandal, Lee Jin Ho has withdrawn from the TV programs he was appearing on, and his career in the entertainment industry has come to a halt.
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