A former BigHit employee received a suspended sentence for BTS merchandise investment fraud.
A former employee of BigHit Music, responsible for managing BTS merchandise investments, has received a suspended sentenced to prison for fraud.
On November 20th KST, the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 12 sentenced the former employee, identified as A (40), to two years in prison with a three-year probation and 120 hours of community service for fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. The suspended sentence means the person doesn't have to serve the two-year prison sentence unless they commit another crime during the three-year probation period.
A, who previously worked as a team leader at BigHit Music, the agency of BTS, was accused of embezzling a total of 576 million KRW (approximately 430,000 USD) in 17 instances by deceiving victims into believing they were investing in BTS merchandise.
A allegedly told victims, “Before BTS members enlist in the military, they will engage in solo activities, and we are seeking investment for merchandise to distribute to fans. If you lend us money, we will return the principal with profit.”
Instead, A reportedly used the funds to repay personal debts.
The court stated, “The defendant used their title as a team leader at a renowned entertainment company to fraudulently obtain a significant sum under the pretense of investment. However, given that the defendant reimbursed the victims over 600 million KRW, exceeding the principal amount, a suspended sentence has been granted.”
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