BIGHIT MUSIC Breaks Silence on Lee Jin Ho's Debt to BTS’s Jimin Amid Scandal

In a surprising development, BIGHIT MUSIC has spoken out about the financial losses suffered by BTS’s Jimin after he lent money to comedian Lee Jin Ho. This incident has stirred significant attention within the K-pop community and among fans worldwide.

Seunghan’s Departure and Its Aftermath

On October 14, Lee Jin Ho revealed that he has accumulated substantial debts due to illegal gambling. To manage these debts, he sought financial assistance from various individuals, including BTS’s Jimin. According to reports by TenAsia, Lee Jin Ho’s total debt amounts to hundreds of millions of won. Among those affected by his financial troubles are well-known figures like Lee Soo Geun, Young Tak, Ha Sung Woon, and several broadcasting executives, producers, and writers who had lent him money.

The Impact on BTS’s Jimin

Jimin, a prominent member of the globally acclaimed group BTS, was one of the individuals who lent money to Lee Jin Ho. BIGHIT MUSIC confirmed that Jimin had indeed provided financial assistance to the comedian. This has led to concerns about the potential financial and reputational damage to Jimin, considering the amount involved and the nature of the debts.

Legal and Financial Repercussions

The situation has escalated as some celebrities who lent money to Lee Jin Ho without a formal promissory note are now facing hefty tax bills. Authorities have classified these transactions as “gifts” rather than “loans,” which could result in significant tax liabilities. Additionally, some affected individuals are reportedly filing fraud charges against Lee Jin Ho and seeking the seizure of his appearance fees to recover their losses.

Lee Jin Ho’s Attempt to Borrow from Jimin

TenAsia reported that in 2022, Lee Jin Ho approached Jimin with an urgent request to borrow 100 million won (approximately $73,600) for a short period of one week. Although a promissory note was signed, Lee Jin Ho failed to adhere to the agreement, leading Jimin to believe that repayment would not occur as planned. In a gesture of goodwill, Jimin reportedly told Lee Jin Ho to repay the amount within ten years, hoping to give him a chance to settle his debts.

BIGHIT MUSIC’s Official Statement

In response to the unfolding situation, BIGHIT MUSIC stated, “As reported, it is indeed true that financial damage has occurred [to Jimin]. He lent money with a signed promissory note.” This acknowledgment highlights the seriousness of the matter and the company’s stance on supporting their artist while addressing the financial complications that have arisen.

Lee Jin Ho’s Professional Setbacks

Following the controversy, Lee Jin Ho has been confirmed to step down from the popular show “Knowing Bros” (“Ask Us Anything”). He also chose not to attend the press conference for Netflix’s variety show “Comedy Revenge,” which took place on the morning of October 14. These professional setbacks are direct consequences of the financial scandal and the backlash it has generated.

Emotional Toll on Jimin and BTS

The financial turmoil has taken an emotional toll on Jimin and the rest of BTS. The pressure of dealing with such a high-profile financial issue, coupled with the potential damage to his reputation, has been immense. Fans and the K-pop community have shown concern for Jimin, recognizing the challenges he faces in balancing personal relationships and public image.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Amid Challenges

The incident involving Lee Jin Ho and the subsequent financial losses for Jimin underscores the complexities that K-pop idols navigate in their personal and professional lives. BIGHIT MUSIC’s acknowledgment of the situation reflects the company's commitment to transparency and support for their artists. As the affected parties work towards resolving these financial issues, the K-pop community continues to watch closely, hoping for a positive resolution and the well-being of all involved.