BTS’s Jimin and Top Stars Lent Him Money—Now This Comedian Faces Gambling Charges

Korean comedian Lee Jin-ho has been referred to prosecutors on charges of habitual illegal gambling.

On April 17, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that they had handed over Lee to the prosecution on April 15. While he was charged with habitual gambling, fraud charges were dropped due to insufficient testimony.

Police launched an investigation after receiving a tip via the national civil complaint system. They confirmed that Lee had spent several hundred million won on illegal online gambling. In order to fund this, he borrowed money not only from loan companies but also from fellow celebrities.

It was reported that comedian Lee Su-geun, singer Ha Sung-woon, and BTS member Jimin were among those who lent him money. The total amount he borrowed is estimated to be around 2.3 billion KRW (approximately 1.62 million USD)

As public controversy grew, Lee admitted to his illegal gambling activities through a personal apology on social media last year. He subsequently stepped down from the popular variety show Knowing Bros and was removed from advertising campaigns he had appeared in.

Lee Jin-ho rose to fame as part of SBS’s 8th special comedian recruitment class and made a name for himself through shows like People Looking for a Laugh and Comedy Big League. He later became a regular on variety programs like Knowing Bros, gaining popularity for his witty remarks and approachable image.

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