BIGHIT MUSIC has eloquently addressed the dire financial predicament faced by BTS's beloved member, Jimin, after he extended a helping hand to comedian Lee Jin Ho with a loan. On October 14th, Lee Jin Ho made a sobering revelation, confessing to a mountain of debts amassed through illegal gambling ventures and seeking financial succor from a wide array of individuals. Despite his assertions of a steadfast monthly repayment plan aimed at erasing the colossal debt, estimated to stretch into the hundreds of millions of Korean won, TenAsia uncovered the grim reality.
Among the unfortunate souls caught in this web of debt are none other than Jimin himself, alongside Lee Soo Geun, Young Tak, Ha Sung Woon, and a cast of influential figures from the broadcasting industry, including executives, producers, and writers, who had lent their trust—and money—to Lee Jin Ho.
The report paints a bleak picture for those celebrities who, trusting Lee Jin Ho implicitly, had lent funds without the formality of a promissory note. Now, they risk facing formidable tax burdens as their acts of generosity have been deemed "gifts" rather than loans by authorities. In desperation, some have even resorted to filing fraud charges against Lee Jin Ho and pursuing the confiscation of his earnings from public appearances.
Notably, TenAsia's direct inquiry to HYBE revealed a heartbreaking tale. In 2022, Lee Jin Ho approached Jimin with a plea for urgent financial aid, requesting a loan of 100 million won (equivalent to approximately $73,600) for a mere week's duration. Despite the signing of a promissory note, Lee Jin Ho failed to uphold his end of the bargain. Realizing Lee Jin Ho's lack of repayment intentions, Jimin, in a gesture of compassion, reportedly granted him a decade's leeway to settle the debt.
In the wake of this tumultuous ordeal, BIGHIT MUSIC has officially confirmed, "As has been reported, Jimin has indeed suffered financial harm. He lent money with a promissory note in place."
Amidst the swirling controversy, Lee Jin Ho's resignation from the popular show "Knowing Bros" ("Ask Us Anything") has been confirmed, further underscoring the gravity of the situation. Additionally, he notably absented himself from the morning press conference for Netflix's upcoming variety show "Comedy Revenge," held on October 14th.
