Did Her Wealthy Husband Quash the Investigation? Yang Jungwon Appears Before Police... Stays Silent on Husband's Role (Comprehensive)

Suspected of Involvement in Contract Violations Against Pilates Franchise Owners
Summoned as a Suspect Amid Controversy Over Husband's Alleged Intervention in Investigation

Yang Jungwon. Instagram capture

Yang Jungwon (36), a broadcaster and former Pilates instructor who is under suspicion of using her businessman husband’s connections to quash a police investigation into a ‘Pilates business fraud’ case, appeared before the police as a suspect on April 29.

Arriving at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul at around 12:30 p.m. that day, Yang told reporters, “I will participate in the investigation sincerely,” and added, “I will make sure to clarify the parts that are unfair. I hope the truth will be properly revealed.” She did not answer questions such as whether she was involved in operating the Pilates business or what conversations she had with her husband regarding the investigation, and proceeded directly to the interrogation room.

Previously, in December 2024, Yang was cleared of suspicion and the case was closed without indictment regarding allegations of franchise fraud involving the Pilates academy. During this process, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office suspected that her husband, Mr. Lee, who is known to be wealthy, may have entertained Inspector A, then head of Team 1 of the Gangnam Police Station’s Investigation Division, and intervened to quash the investigation.

However, Yang is reported to deny any direct involvement. She explained that her husband’s contact with the police was simply to expedite the handling of the case.

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office believes that Mr. Lee met Inspector A privately and provided money and valuables, and is investigating him for bribery. Inspector A is under investigation for bribery and leaking official secrets. However, Yang reportedly claims that the information suspected to have been leaked by Inspector A is unrelated to the Gangnam Police Station’s decision to clear her of charges.

Yang Jungwon. Wells Entertainment

Yang was sued by franchise owners in July 2024 for fraud and violation of the Franchise Business Act, and has been investigated by both Investigation Team 1 and Team 2 at the Gangnam Police Station. Investigation Team 1, led by Inspector A, determined that Yang’s involvement in franchise fraud was minimal compared to other defendants and dropped the case without indictment in December of that year, while Investigation Team 2 has continued its investigation. Team 2 suspended its investigation in October last year due to another defendant’s unknown whereabouts, but resumed after locating the individual earlier this year.

The Gangnam Police Station will conduct a face-to-face investigation on this day, summoning Yang, the head of the Pilates franchise academy, and others. The franchise owners, suspecting possible collusion between the academy head and others, filed complaints against Yang as well. Yang’s side maintains that she only served as a franchise model, was not involved in the management, and was unaware of the specific business circumstances.

The prosecution has detained Mr. Lee, and the police officers involved in this case, including Inspector A, have either been suspended or are under internal investigation. Mr. Lee faces charges of bribery and violation of the Capital Markets Act related to alleged attempts to quash the investigation. Police explained that Yang’s current summons is related to a separate complaint, not the case in which she was previously cleared of suspicion.

Meanwhile, Yang made her acting debut in 2008 through the tvN drama “Rude Miss Young-Ae Season 3,” and rose to fame in 2016 as the so-called ‘Pilates goddess’ through MBC’s “My Little Television.” She married in May 2023 and announced the birth of her son in December of the same year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.