With the scandal snowballing, entertainment agencies are worried that it will spark further damage to other celebrities that were close to Seungri. (image: Netflix)
SEOUL, Mar. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — With BIGBANG’s Seungri officially booked for his sex-for-business favor deal, the entertainment industry is nervous about the aftermath.
It was revealed on Monday that there were other celebrities in a messenger chat room that contained conversations about sexual favors, and that some of them have also been investigated by the police.
The police have also been investigating Burning Sun, the nightclub where Seungri was a public relations director, over suspicions about illegal narcotics use, sexual assault and corrupt deals with police officials at the club.
With the scandal snowballing, entertainment agencies are worried that it will spark further damage to other celebrities that were close to Seungri.
Even if their celebrities are not directly involved in the case, some agencies are concerned that revealing their names will hurt their reputation.
The agencies are checking their celebrities’ phones just in case for any sign of unsavory conversation with Seungri.
YG Entertainment, one of the leading K-pop agencies, is facing the biggest crisis since its establishment. YG shares fell 14.1 percent from the previous trading day to 37,150 won (US$32).
The public has lost all confidence in YG Entertainment and is criticizing the agency.
Meanwhile, amid the scandal, Seungri announced his retirement via Instagram.
“It would be better for me to retire from the entertainment scene at this point,” Seungri said in a post on his Instagram account.
He also added sincere thanks and apology to his fans at home and abroad for the support over the past 10 years. He said he decided to retire for the sake of the reputation of YG Entertainment and BIGBANG.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
