[Exclusive] Kim Ho-joong's Side: "False Claims of Sponsors and Military Corruption, Former Manager's Motive Is Money"

by Heo Midam

Published 03 Jul.2020 00:18(KST)

Singer Kim Ho-jung. Photo by Saenggageul Boyeojuneun Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Singer Kim Hojung’s agency has denied allegations of sponsorship and military corruption, calling them "clear falsehoods and defamation."

Kim Hojung’s agency, Saenggak-eul Boyeojuneun Entertainment, issued an official statement on the 2nd to clarify various allegations against Kim Hojung.

The agency stated regarding the sponsorship allegations, "It is true that he received 3 million won from a fan. However, he repeatedly refused, saying he would only accept their gratitude, and the money is still wrapped up and kept as is."

They added, "Currently, all sponsorship accounts can be verified through Kim Hojung’s official fan cafe, and the accounts, which have collected hundreds of millions of won, are transparently disclosed to all fans. Refunds are also provided if requested."

Regarding the military issue, they explained, "As previously stated in our official position, a re-examination request has been filed, and if postponement is not possible within the legal framework, he is preparing to enlist to fulfill his national defense duty."

They further said, "The former manager who continues to make such claims is motivated by money. We are currently proceeding with all procedures legally and handling the matter civilly and criminally. We will publicly disclose all rulings from the court."

Earlier, on the 1st, Kim Hojung’s former manager Mr. A revealed through Kim Hojung’s old fan cafe that a woman in her 50s, Ms. J, who flaunted connections with high-ranking military officials, approached them with offers of special favors such as outdoor electronic billboards for Kim Hojung. This sparked allegations of sponsorship and military corruption involving Kim Hojung.

Below is the official statement from Kim Hojung’s agency.

Hello.

This is Saenggak-eul Boyeojuneun Entertainment, Kim Hojung’s agency.

We are delivering our official position regarding the recent issues related to Kim Hojung’s former fan cafe.

First, we inform you that the allegations concerning sponsorship and military corruption are clear falsehoods and defamation.

It is true that Kim Hojung received 3 million won from a fan. However, he repeatedly refused, saying he would only accept their gratitude, and the money is still wrapped up and kept as is.

Currently, all sponsorship accounts can be verified through Kim Hojung’s official fan cafe, and the accounts, which have collected hundreds of millions of won, are transparently disclosed to all fans. Refunds are also provided if requested.

Kim Hojung and the agency are grateful for the support from fans and continue to give back through donations and other good deeds.

Additionally, many fans who love Kim Hojung have been calling the agency to offer numerous gifts beyond suits. Therefore, claiming sponsorship based on gifts is inappropriate.

Regarding the military issue, as previously stated in our official position, a re-examination request has been filed, and if postponement is not possible within the legal framework, he is preparing to enlist to fulfill his national defense duty.

The former manager’s ongoing claims are motivated by money. The KakaoTalk messages related to the military between Ms. J and the former manager were conversations between the former fan cafe administrators and Ms. J. The current agency cannot verify or review messages exchanged among fans.

We ask that speculation and disparagement based on conversations between the former manager and fans be refrained from, and we hope that speculative articles or baseless falsehoods will be verified before publication.

We are always open to communication if formal evidence is presented. We are currently proceeding with all procedures legally and handling the matter civilly and criminally. We will publicly disclose all rulings from the court.