Actor Lee Jang Woo issued an apology and clarified his position regarding the controversy over unpaid payments.
On March 20, Lee posted on his social media, saying, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been troubled by this controversy. I also offer my heartfelt apologies and regrets to Mr. A, who has suffered from not receiving payments for a long time."
Regarding his initial silence after the reports, he explained, "Although I was saddened by the spread of speculation, I believed that speaking without full information could worsen the situation. As a public figure, I was also concerned that my statements could unintentionally affect others involved."
Lee then explained the transaction structure between Hosukchon and Mujin Co. Ltd, saying, "Hosukchon properly remitted the full payment for the meat supplied by Mr. A to Mujin according to their contract. The current controversy arose because Mujin failed to pay Mr. A from the funds received from Hosukchon."
He added, "The former CEO of Hosukchon is a friend I have known for 20 years. I trusted that he would responsibly manage the business relationship with Mujin. However, I only learned through this report that he also held an auditor role at Mujin and that Mujin had not been paying Mr. A on time. I acknowledge my fault for not personally verifying the entire transaction structure and deeply reflect on this shortcoming."
Emphasizing his commitment to resolving the issue, Lee said, "Mujin has been supplying meat to other clients besides Hosukchon. Once the supply to Hosukchon is confirmed, we will resolve the issue by treating the corresponding amount as a loan to Mujin, provided that Mujin repays Mr. A promptly. We will do our utmost to ensure that Mr. A receives the rightful payment as soon as possible."
He also promised stricter oversight going forward, stating, "This incident has prompted a full review of the transaction structures and payment status at Hosukchon and other related businesses. Should similar issues be discovered, decisive measures, including legal action, will be taken. Moving forward, I will ensure independent verification mechanisms are in place rather than relying solely on personal trust, to prevent such issues from recurring."
Lee concluded by acknowledging his responsibility, saying, "Regardless of legal liability, I take full responsibility for the harm caused to those who trusted my name in conducting business. I will see this matter through to ensure that Mr. A's issues are resolved promptly."
Earlier, Dispatch reported that Mr. A, a supplier of livestock products, claimed that approximately 40 million KRW (around 27,000 USD) in payments for supplies delivered to Lee Jang Woo's soondae restaurant had not been paid for eight months. Mr. A stated that while initial transactions were settled normally, payments became irregular over time and some months went entirely unpaid. The outstanding balance reportedly grew to around 50 million KRW (around 34,000 USD) by November 2024 and 64 million KRW (around 43,500 USD) by January 2025.
Mr. A said, "I trusted him as a celebrity and waited, but payments have been delayed for over a year. Partial payments were made while continuing to order more, causing the debt to grow." After reaching out to Lee via direct message in January, he was promised repayments of 2 million KRW (around 1,350 USD) per month, which he claims were not consistently fulfilled.
Full Statement from Lee Jang Woo
"First, I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been troubled by this controversy.
I also extend my heartfelt apologies and regrets to Mr. A, who has suffered from not receiving payments for a long period.
I ask for your understanding regarding my inability to provide a detailed explanation immediately after the initial report. Although I was concerned about the spread of speculation, I believed that speaking without full information could worsen the situation. As a public figure, I was also concerned that my statements could unintentionally affect others involved. I hope you can understand that I needed time to carefully confirm all the facts.
As reported, Hosukchon properly remitted the full payment for the meat supplied by Mr. A to Mujin Co Ltd. according to their contract. The current controversy arose because Mujin failed to pay Mr. A from the funds received from Hosukchon.
The former CEO of Hosukchon is a friend I have known for 20 years. I trusted that he would responsibly manage the business relationship with Mujin. However, I only learned through this report that he also held an auditor role at Mujin and that Mujin had not been paying Mr. A on time. I acknowledge my fault for not personally verifying the entire transaction structure and deeply reflect on this shortcoming.
It appears that Mujin has been supplying meat to other clients besides Hosukchon. Once the supply to Hosukchon is confirmed, I will resolve the issue by treating the corresponding amount as a loan to Mujin, on the condition that Mujin repays Mr. A promptly. I will do my utmost to ensure that Mr. A receives the rightful payment as soon as possible.
This incident has prompted a full review of the transaction structures and payment status at Hosukchon and other related businesses. Should similar issues be discovered, decisive measures, including legal action, will be taken. Moving forward, I will ensure independent verification mechanisms are in place rather than relying solely on personal trust, to prevent such issues from recurring.
I did not take this business lightly or pursue it purely for profit. The more I worked in the restaurant industry, the more I came to respect the hard work and effort of business owners and operators. Even though my status as a public figure may have offered promotional advantages, I have come to understand that the restaurant business is never simple. This makes the current controversy feel even more serious.
Regardless of legal responsibility, I take full responsibility for the harm caused to those who trusted my name in conducting business. I will see this matter through and do everything I can to ensure that Mr. A’s issues are resolved promptly.
Thank you.
Lee Jang Woo"
SEE ALSO: Lee Jang Woo’s agency addresses unpaid bill allegations involving Hosukchon restaurant
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