The Scandal Behind the Headlines
Lee Seung Gi, one of Korea’s most beloved singers and actors, announced earlier this year that he had decided to cut ties with his wife’s family. The reason? His father-in-law, identified as Mr. Lee and husband to veteran actress Kyun Mi Ri, was indicted for allegedly manipulating stock prices of three companies listed on KOSDAQ, South Korea’s tech-heavy stock exchange.
What the Courts Decided
On May 22, the Seoul Southern District Court approved Mr. Lee’s bail under strict conditions. These include a 100 million KRW deposit (about 76,000 USD), a statement of commitment, restrictions on changing his residence, mandatory attendance at court summons, and no contact with involved parties. His spouse was allowed to submit a bail bond as a substitute for the cash deposit.
What He’s Accused Of
Lee’s father-in-law is one of 13 individuals accused of falsely promoting companies’ involvement in cutting-edge technologies to attract investors. Authorities estimate they gained around 14 billion KRW (over 10 million USD) in illicit profits. It’s not the first time Mr. Lee has faced legal issues. According to Seung Gi, earlier violations had resulted in a fine during appellate proceedings, but this case pushed things over the edge.
Lee Seung Gi Cuts Ties Over Broken Trust
Back in April, Lee Seung Gi opened up to fans through an emotional statement: “The trust between our families has been damaged beyond repair. My wife and I have spent many difficult nights wrestling with this, and we have ultimately chosen to sever relations with her family.”
He added, “It pains me deeply to see the same type of illegal behavior repeated, especially when I’ve held out hope and waited for a just outcome based on trust in family.”
Public Fallout and Fan Reaction
Fans have rallied around Lee, who has built a reputation not only as a top artist but also as one of Korea’s most upstanding celebrities. While some netizens were shocked by the insider dealings, many praised Seung Gi’s transparency and maturity.
What’s Next?
As Mr. Lee awaits trial, the scandal continues to make headlines across Korea. Whether this case will impact Kyun Mi Ri or her daughter Lee Da In’s public image remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—Lee Seung Gi is drawing a firm line when it comes to family and integrity.
Will this scandal leave a lasting scar on one of K-ent’s cleanest reputations—or be remembered as Seung Gi’s defining moment of principle?
