Actor Kim Seung-woo faces theft investigation and nightlife controversy

Seoul Gangnam Police Station is investigating actor Kim Seung-woo following a July complaint alleging he stole 22 million won from an acquaintance in Cheongdam-dong. The complainant further claims the actor visited nightlife establishments 70 to 80 times over a five-year period, raising questions about potential quarantine rule violations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Controversy is mounting around actor Kim Seung-woo as he faces a complaint for allegedly stealing 22 million won from an acquaintance, alongside claims that he attended nightlife establishments dozens of times during the COVID-19 pandemic. With conflicting positions regarding the return of the money and the intent behind the alleged theft, the frequency of his past outings and whether he complied with quarantine regulations at the time have emerged as new points of interest.

The Seoul Gangnam Police Station received the complaint regarding Kim Seung-woo's alleged theft this past July and is currently conducting an investigation. Since the case became known on the 12th, police have remained tight-lipped regarding specific details of the charges or the progress of the investigation. As the claims of the complainant and the explanations from Kim's side currently clash, the actual circumstances and legal liability must be confirmed through the results of the investigation.

The complainant, identified as Person A, reportedly claims that in October 2021, Kim Seung-woo took 22 million won in cash from a bag at a nightlife establishment in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul. Person A stated they have known Kim since around 2019 and claimed they had gone drinking together at nightlife establishments approximately 70 to 80 times over a five-year period following 2020. During this time, Person A explained that Kim also frequently took hundreds of thousands of won in cash from his wallet to give as tips to female employees.

Kim Seung-woo's side explained that there was no intent to steal regarding the taking of the money. A legal representative stated that the actions at the time were close to a light joke occurring between people with a close relationship and took place in an open setting observed by other members of the group. They emphasized that there was no purpose to secretly acquire or personally use the money.

Further explanations were provided regarding the return of the funds. Kim's side stated that they intended to return the money because they were scheduled to meet again a few hours later at the time. However, they claimed the meeting did not materialize, and the amount was eventually returned via bank transfer the following day. They reiterated that there was no intention of illegal monetary acquisition, noting that they maintained a close relationship with Person A after the incident and that Kim had even provided help during times of economic difficulty.

As this case has come to light, online attention is focused not only on the complaint but also on the claim that Kim Seung-woo had a significant number of drinking sessions at nightlife establishments. In particular, because some of the alleged drinking sessions overlap with the period between 2020 and 2021 when quarantine measures such as social distancing and business restrictions were implemented due to the spread of COVID-19, reactions have emerged questioning whether quarantine rules were followed at the time. However, the frequency of visits to nightlife establishments alone cannot conclude a violation of quarantine rules, and no actual violation has been confirmed.

While questions are being raised regarding the large tips and repeated visits to nightlife establishments, some netizens are expressing disappointment with the private life and consumption patterns of the famous actor. On the other hand, since many of the current claims consist of the complainant's assertions or online reactions, some argue for caution, stating that unconfirmed suspicions should not be expanded as facts. Specifically, regarding the theft charge, the complainant's claims and the accused's explanations are in conflict, and criminal facts are not established until a legal judgment is rendered.

Kim Seung-woo was previously mentioned regarding the cancellation of a broadcast after participating in the filming of the JTBC variety program 'One Meal Together Show' Samseong-dong episode this past September. As his past broadcasting activities are being revisited due to this incident, Kim's side stated they are providing sufficient explanations of the facts to the investigative authorities. Furthermore, they indicated they would respond strongly to unconfirmed content or claims that differ from the facts.

Ultimately, the core of this controversy depends on the circumstances and intent behind the movement of the 22 million won, and which part of the complainant's claims and Kim's explanation aligns with the objective facts. The controversy regarding the frequency of nightlife visits and COVID-19 quarantine also requires separate fact-checking. Until the investigation results are released, it is necessary to distinguish between suspicions and confirmed facts.

Read the original (Korean)