This is by far probably the biggest scandal to rock the Korean music industry
Big Bang singer Seungri announced his exit from show business on March 11 amid a sex-for-investment criminal investigation. Text messages showed a conversation purportedly involving Seungri, an employee identified as Kim and a man identified as Yu, who co-headed an investment company with the Big Bang member.
Seungri, 28, was initially questioned in February by police for drug-taking and sexual assault at the Burning Sun club where he worked as a public relations director. The Big Bang member was allegedly linked to providing sex services to investors of his entertainment and restaurant company Yuri Holdings. The K-pop star also allegedly obtained prostitutes for clients through a group chat on Kakao in 2015.
In light of the allegations, Seungri announced his retirement from the industry.
“I have decided to retire because the controversy has become so big,” Seungri wrote on Instagram. “I have faced heavy criticism from the public for the last month and-a-half and I’m being probed by all investigative authorities in the country.”
YG Entertaiment — Big Bang’s agency — has since terminated Seungri’s contract. In a statement, YG wrote:
“Hello, this is YG Entertainment. Starting from the recent club assault scandal, which Seungri was involved in, we would like to apologize for the concern we have caused many people, including the fans, due to the numerous suspicions and controversies. After Seungri announced his retirement on March 12, YG Entertainment has honored Seungri’s request to terminate his exclusive contract. As an artist management company, we admit that we have not managed our artists as thoroughly as we should, and we are deeply reflecting on that. Finally, YG Entertainment is aware that we need major improvements, and we promise to work with all of our executives and employees to put those improvements into place.”
Kpop star Jung Joon-young has also quit the music industry following the growing sex scandal. Jung, 30, is accused of secretly filming himself and others have sex with 10 women and sharing the footage in a group chat in 2015-2016.
Jung has admitted to the charges, and in a statement said, “I admit to all my crimes,” he said, adding that he will quit the music and TV industry. I filmed women without their consent and shared it in a chatroom, and while I was doing so I didn’t feel a great sense of guilt.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
