The entertainment world is in turmoil due to a drug scandal involving actor Lee Sun-gyun and singer G-Dragon. The chaos has intensified with the circulation of unverified "fake news". Even the global boy band BTS has been caught up in baseless rumors, prompting them to actively address the issue.
BTS's agency, BigHit Music announced on October 26 that "BTS is not related to the said rumors at all, and it's completely untrue." Amidst the growing controversy involving Lee Sun-gyun and G-Dragon over alleged drug use, BTS became the target of unfounded rumors, which the agency immediately refuted. BigHit Music stated they have plans for a stern response to the indiscriminate spread of such rumors.
Recently online, there was a spread of news claiming that "some members of BTS, who are currently on a break, were regulars at a Gangnam room salon frequently visited by Lee Sun-gyun." Especially, members V, Jungkook, RM, and Jimin were directly mentioned, sparking controversy.
In response, BTS's fandom released a statement through an online community. They mentioned that "as false facts related to BTS are being spread indiscriminately, fans cannot overlook serious criminal acts of spreading baseless truths, insults, or defamation in publicly accessible online spaces." They further warned of pursuing those who spread false information about BTS to the fullest extent of the law.
Girl group Leseraphim member Kim Chaewon, (G)I-DLE member Jeon Soyeon, and singer-songwriter Park Sun-ju also became victims of these baseless rumors. Online, a so-called "Lee Sun-gyun list" circulated naming celebrities allegedly involved in the drug investigation. Particularly, Kim Chaewon, who announced a temporary halt in her activities due to health reasons on the 16th, faced unnecessary suspicions. However, these claims were unverified. Her agency, Source Music, clarified that "the rumors related to Kim Chaewon are entirely untrue."
According to Source Music, Kim Chaewon had visited the hospital on the 13th due to dizziness after an influenza type A treatment and was advised to rest. However, with the drug scandals surrounding Lee Sun-gyun and G-Dragon, there were speculative rumors linking Kim Chaewon to them as well. As a result, Source Music swiftly debunked these rumors and announced her return on the 1st of next month.
Jeon Soyeon also strongly denied involvement in the drug case. Her agency, Cube Entertainment, regarding the drug rumor, said it's "groundless" and would "take strong legal actions against the spread of false information." Park Sun-ju also actively addressed the issue. His agency, First One Entertainment, refuted the drug rumors and warned against further spread. They also mentioned he's currently well in Jeju Island.
Other celebrities, a famous male singer "A" and actor "B", also addressed drug rumors surrounding them. Both their agencies, while reluctant to mention specific names, denied any relation to drug use. With top stars continuously being implicated in drug-related news, there are warnings against the spread of "fake news" that can hurt innocent parties.
Meanwhile, Incheon Police are currently investigating Lee Sun-gyun and G-Dragon for violations of the Drug Control Act. The police also charged a doctor, "C", with supplying drugs to Lee Sun-gyun and G-Dragon from early this year. Additionally, the owner of an entertainment establishment in Gangnam, "D", known to be frequented by Lee Sun-gyun, was arrested on charges of violating the Drug Control Act and extorting KRW 350 million from Lee. The police also have plans to summon and investigate Lee Sun-gyun in the future. Additionally, an entertainment establishment employee "E" was also non-detained, and five others, including a third-generation chaebol, a songwriter, and a singer aspirant, are under investigation.
