臺北新聞熱綫

(AsiaGameHub) –   South Korean singer and actor Kim Min-jong has rejected assertions that he is involved in an unlawful celebrity gambling group.

Kim’s representatives described the allegations as “unfounded rumors” rooted in “malicious doubts,” according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

These remarks were made one day after TV personality and singer MC Mong alleged that Kim and several other prominent public figures had formed a betting ring called Badugi.

MC Mong leveled the accusation during a live stream on his TikTok account, where he also claimed that business leaders were plotting against him.

MC Mong stated that members of Badugi have “provided large amounts of money to women close to me, women I don’t know whatsoever, and women in the entertainment sector” to assist in conducting a smear campaign.

However, Kim’s legal team asserted that the allegations were “definitely untrue.”

Kim Min-jong’s Reputation ‘Damaged,’ Lawyers Assert

“We plan to hold [MC Mong] legally responsible for civil and criminal damages as needed,” Kim’s lawyers stated.

MC Mong claimed that Kim and others had been supplying information to PD Notebook, a TV program focused on investigative journalism. The show airs regularly on the national broadcast network MBC.

“[Mr. Kim] has been deeply beloved by the public,” the lawyers added. “These claims have severely damaged his reputation.”

“I want to state clearly that the accusations being talked about are not true,” Kim said in a separate statement.

Kim rose to stardom in the 1990s, featuring in numerous popular TV dramas and films. His film credits include Trio, the directorial debut of Park Chan-wook, who won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix.

His more recent film roles include Mrs. Cop (2015), its 2016 follow-up, and 2019’s Rosebud.

Kim started a solo pop career in 1992, and also joined forces with another leading actor, Son Ji-chang, to create the pop duo The Blue.

Military Service Controversy

MC Mong, on the other hand, became famous as a singer in the early 2000s. He later transitioned to variety TV, appearing as a regular guest on prime-time programs like 2 Days & 1 Night.

But his rapid ascent ended suddenly in 2011 when a division of the Seoul Central District Court convicted him of having healthy teeth extracted to evade compulsory military service.

The court gave him a suspended jail term and mandated that he perform community service.

This incident sparked controversy in South Korea, where all men are required to serve approximately two years in the military.

His TV opportunities dried up after the scandal, though his music career eventually recovered. Since then, MC Mong has faced additional unrelated charges, including failing to declare more than $70,000 in cash when departing the country.

Gambling-related offenses are back in the public eye in South Korea as the June 3 local elections approach.

A political opponent accused Kim Dae-jung, the current education superintendent of South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, of “lingering around a gambling establishment” during an official work trip.

Kim has since acknowledged visiting an overseas casino located in the hotel where he was staying. However, the superintendent has maintained that he did not gamble during his visit.