Source: SBS News
On the 29th, H& Entertainment, home to actresses Son Dambi and Jung Ryeowon, denied allegations of their involvement with a scammer who had a fraudulent fishery business.
Mr. Kim, who is being called "Fake Fisherman" by Koreans, is accused of impersonating a fisherman and defrauding 11.6 billion won (approx. 10 million USD) from investors.
During police investigation in April, Kim revealed he had provided money and valuables to lobby to influential figures, such as politicians and prosecutors.
Source: @xodambi Instagram
According to earlier reports, Mr. Kim approached Son Dambi in 2019 and gained her favor by providing luxury goods and Porsche vehicles. In addition, he reportedly paid back the 50 million won (approx. 43,000 USD) that Son Dambi borrowed from Jung Ryeowon instead.
The media reported that Jung Ryeowon, who was introduced to Mr. Kim through Son Dambi, received a BMW Mini Cooper as a gift from Kim.
A list released of the gifts received includes about 20 items, including a total of 72.34 million won (approx. 62,000 USD) in cash and various luxury goods.
Son Dambi and Mr. Kim on set of When the Camellia Blooms (Source: Daekyung Ilbo)
According to H& Enterntainment, "Kim said he was a fan of Son Dambi during the 2019 When the Camellia Blooms drama shoot, and he came to the filming site to appeal to her her by gifting drinks and snacks."
They also stated that Kim continuously sent expensive gifts to Son Dambi, but that she returned everything she received, including gifts and cash.
Jung Ryeowon posing in front of her Mini Cooper (Source: Daekyung Ilbo)
Regarding the report that Jung Ryeowon received a car as a gift, H& Entertainment said, "She didn't receive a gift from Kim, but bought a used car. She received the car after depositing the money to Kim's bank account, and the transaction details are clearly recorded."
Photo of transaction between Jung Ryeowon and Mr. Kim (Source: SBS News)
They continued to say that reports Jung Ryeowon spent time alone with Mr. Kim at her home are not true. They say the two of them met with one of Jung Ryeowon's friends who wanted to consult with Mr. Kim.
"False reports related to Jung Ryeowon and Son Dambi are causing serious damage," H&Entertainment said. They announced they will take legal action against those posting false information and malicious comments.
This article was paraphrased from: SBS News
