Comedian Lee Jin-ho stiffs 100 million won from BTS's Jimin for gambling

BTS's Jimin lent 100 million won ($74,000) to comedian Lee Jin-ho, who used it all for gambling and did not pay him back, media reported Monday.

Comedian Lee Jin-ho. left, and BTS member Jimin [SCREEN CAPTURE, BIG HIT MUSIC]

BTS's Jimin lent 100 million won ($74,000) to comedian Lee Jin-ho, who used it all for gambling and did not pay him back, media reported Monday.

Local news outlets Yonhap News and Ten Asia reported on Monday that celebrities including Jimin, trot singer Young Tak and comedian Lee Su-geun had lent Lee Jin-ho hundreds of millions of won.

Lee borrowed 100 million won from Jimin in 2022 and signed a promissory note, lying about the use of the money, according to local news outlets. Jimin reportedly granted him a 10-year grace period for repayment and the debt still remains unpaid.

According to Ten Asia, fellow comedian Lee Su-geun not only lent Lee Jin-ho tens of millions of won but also repaid some of his debts to others.

Comedian Lee Su-geun, right, poses for a photo with former basketball player Seo Jang-hoon, left, and modern pentathlete Jeon Woong-tae. [JEON WOONG TAE'S INSTAGRAM]

The debt-ridden comedian Lee officially apologized for his actions on Instagram on Monday before the media reported the news.

“I came across an illegal gambling website in 2020, and it ended up causing me severe financial hardship,” Lee said, “I was able to quit gambling thanks to advice from my acquaintances and the realization that I might have to give up the career I love.”

“I’ve been diligently repaying my debts every month and plan to continue doing so until the day I die,” Lee added. “The financial loss is painful, but what hurts more is betraying those who lent me money. I will also cooperate fully with any police investigations and accept the consequences of my actions.”

In light of his confession, Lee canceled his scheduled appearance at the press conference for Netflix's "Comedy Revenge" on Monday morning. JTBC's "Men on a Mission," where he is a regular cast member, is currently reviewing his involvement in the show.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [yoon.seungjin@joongang.co.kr]