A popular K-Pop idol revealed that he suffered embezzlement damage worth over ₩100 million KRW (about $65,800 USD).
On the 22nd, a video titled “How to Never Fall for a Lease Fraud” was posted on YouTube.
In the video, BTOB‘s Lee Changsub mentioned his own victimization while trying out work at a law office, saying, “There is someone I want to file a complaint against.”
Recalling the practical music academy he currently runs in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, he confessed, “I was scammed by the academy. They cleverly exploited the law.” He explained that the acting representative, who was initially put in charge of management, delayed paying employees’ salaries and used company funds without permission.
Lee Changsub revealed that “I had to invest several hundred million won more to settle the unpaid money,” continuing that the damage amounted to about ₩110 million KRW (about $72,400 USD).
He said, “The person promised to repay the money, wrote an IOU, and even stamped it, but after sending only ₩1.00 million KRW (about $658 USD) in the first month, there has been no contact since.”
A lawyer appearing alongside him explained, “If the person managing the funds used company money at will, it legally counts as embezzlement in the course of business. Even if the money is returned later, the established crime does not disappear.”
Lee Changsub asked again, “So, is it still a crime?” and when the lawyer answered yes, he showed a bitter expression.
Lee Changsub is active as the main vocalist of BTOB, working in various fields including solo albums, musicals, and entertainment shows.