"My Name Was Used in a Scam, So I Am Also Responsible" Sung Si-kyung Compensates No-Show Scam Victim with 6.5 Million Won

Personally Compensating the Victimized Restaurant Owner
Who Appeared on His YouTube Channel

Singer Sung Si Kyung has been reported to have helped a victim who was scammed by someone impersonating a member of his staff in a no-show scam.

Singer Sung Si-kyung. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 7th, Mr. A left a comment on Sung Si Kyung's YouTube channel, stating, "I am the owner who appeared on 'Meogeultende' and a victim of a no-show scam impersonating a celebrity. Last May, I received a call about a reshoot for 'Meogeultende' at my restaurant, and a scammer, claiming to be from the show, asked me to prepare expensive whiskey and demanded money, resulting in a financial loss of 6.5 million won."

He continued, "I later confirmed with Sung Si Kyung's team and realized it was a scam. After reporting it to the police, I was left in shock, but then Sung Si Kyung called me. He said that, since the scammer used his name, he felt partly responsible and persuaded me to accept compensation for my loss. Almost as if in a daze, I accepted the money."

Mr. A added, "'I have transferred the money. Please don't worry and stay strong.' Sung Si Kyung's message will remain in my heart forever. Thanks to him, I was able to quickly regain my composure and return to my daily life."

He also said, "As news of this unfortunate incident began to spread in the media, I wanted to share the story of being compensated for the no-show scam to offer some hope, but I was too embarrassed and declined. From my experience, Sung Si Kyung is an exceptionally honest person who never seeks recognition, and he stands tall because of his unwavering integrity."

Mr. A wrote, "Seeing fans who had quietly watched from the sidelines begin to encourage me in the comments, I finally found the courage to share my story. I sincerely hope that from now on, good news about Sung Si Kyung will spread far and wide, and that he will overcome this ordeal and continue to comfort and inspire many people in good health."

Comment left by store owner Mr A, who was a victim of a no-show scam impersonating a celebrity, on Sung Si Kyung's YouTube channel. Screenshot of comments from Sung Si Kyung's YouTube channel

Earlier, on the 3rd, it was reported that Sung Si Kyung suffered financial losses due to his manager of over 10 years. Former manager Mr. B allegedly embezzled hundreds of millions of won by siphoning off VIP concert tickets under the pretext of cracking down on scalpers, and pocketed the proceeds through a bank account under his wife's name.

Sung Si Kyung's agency, SK Jaewon, stated, "It has been confirmed that Sung Si Kyung's former manager committed acts that betrayed the company's trust while performing his duties. Based on our internal investigation, we recognize the seriousness of the matter and are currently determining the exact extent of the damages." Sung Si Kyung also confessed on his social media, "Experiencing betrayal from someone I trusted, cherished, and considered family is not the first time in my 25 years since debut, but it never gets any easier, even at this age. I apologize and feel deeply sorry to anyone who was troubled by the news about me."

Mr. B moved with Sung Si Kyung to SK Jaewon when he left his former agency and has been in charge of key aspects of Sung Si Kyung's career, including concerts, broadcasts, advertisements, and events. It has been reported that Mr. B has already left the company.