On May 21, actor So Ji Sub’s agency, 51k, issued a public warning on its official social media, revealing that someone has been impersonating one of its managers to commit fraud.
According to the agency, 51k, the impersonator has been making group reservations at restaurants, claiming the bookings are for company dinners involving the actor. They have also requested expensive alcoholic beverages in advance. After the arrangements are made, the scammer disappears without any further contact, leaving the restaurants with unpaid bills. This is part of a growing trend known as "no-show" scams.
51k emphasized that the agency never makes restaurant reservations using the names of its actors and does not ask for purchases or deliveries of alcohol or other goods under any circumstances. The company added that it is taking the matter very seriously and plans to pursue strong legal action against anyone involved in impersonation or fraud.
Unfortunately, So Ji Sub is not the only victim. Other celebrities including Lim Young Woong, Song Ga In, Ha Jung Woo, and Byeon Woo Seok have also been targeted in similar scams.
As these cases become more frequent, the Korean National Police Agency announced on May 20 that impersonation scams involving celebrities, entertainment professionals, local government officials, and aides to National Assembly members are on the rise. The case is currently under investigation by the Phishing Crime Investigation Unit at the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency.
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