BTS' Jimin scammed out of $74,000 by comedian Lee Jin-ho

"I will fully cooperate with the police investigation and accept the consequences of my actions," The Korea Times quoted him as saying.

Lee revealed that he started gambling on an illegal site in 2020 and shared details of his financial struggles, vowing to be transparent during the ongoing investigation. Some sources confirmed that several celebrities suffered financial losses due to Lee's fraudulent activities.

"It was the harsh advice from those close to me and the fear of losing the work I love that finally made me stop gambling. However, by then, I had already received financial help from many people," Lee confessed.

South Korean comedian Lee Jin-ho. Photo courtesy of his Instagram

Sports Chosun, citing TenAsia, later reported that Jimin was one of the victims, having lent Lee 100 million won ($74,000), which was never repaid. Jimin’s management agency, BigHit Music, confirmed the financial loss. "It is true that Jimin incurred financial damage, and the loan was given with a signed loan agreement."

BTS' Jimin (L) is one of the victims of the scam by Lee Jin-ho . Photo from Twitter/X

Other celebrities, including comedian Lee Soo-geun and singer Ha Sung-woon, were also affected, and the number of victims is expected to grow as the investigation progresses.

Lee Jin-ho, 38, is a well-known comedian who appeared on the popular JTBC variety show "Knowing Bros." Following the revelation, he missed the press conference for Netflix's new variety show "Comedy Revenge," despite having completed filming.

BTS' Jimin, 29, is a globally famous singer currently on hiatus due to his mandatory military service and is expected to be discharged in December.