Comedian Lee Jin-ho admits to illegal online gambling in a post on social media Monday. Courtesy of SM C&C and captured from Lee's social media

Comedian Lee Jin-ho, 38, admitted to illegal online gambling Monday, revealing in a social media post that he began gambling on an illegal site in 2020.

"I will fully cooperate with the police investigation and accept the consequences of my actions," he said.

According to entertainment industry sources, several celebrities were financially impacted by Lee's actions.

"It was the harsh advice from those close to me and the fear of losing the work I love that finally made me stop gambling. However, by then, I had already received financial help from many people," he said. "I am steadily repaying the debt each month and intend to fully pay it off on my own, even if it takes the rest of my life."

It was confirmed that Lee also borrowed 1oo million won ($74,000) from BTS member Jimin, which he has yet to repay.

An official from Jimin's agency, BigHit Music, said, "It is true that Jimin incurred financial damage, and the loan was given with a signed loan agreement."

Lee, a regular on JTBC's popular variety show, "Knowing Bros," shared that he lived in constant fear of the truth coming to light.

"Every day felt like I was being punished, wondering when this would become public. I thought about confessing everything and facing the consequences to relieve the anxiety, but I hesitated because I needed to continue working to pay off my debts," he said.

He also issued a public apology, saying, "I deeply apologize to everyone who was disappointed by my actions and my attempts to hide them."

Lee, who admitted to illegal online gambling, did not attend the press conference for the Netflix variety show "Comedy Revenge," held earlier that day. Although he completed filming for the show, his recent confession may lead to parts of his appearance being edited out.

His agency, SM C&C, is in the process of reviewing and finalizing their stance regarding Lee's future activities.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.