Actor Kim Seung-woo is under police investigation for allegedly stealing 22 million won from an acquaintance in 2021, Chosunbiz reported.
The complainant, identified as Mr. A, alleges the theft occurred in October 2021 at an entertainment bar in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Kim’s legal representatives have denied criminal intent, characterizing the incident as a social misunderstanding rather than a crime.
“This was a playful act that occurred during a drinking session among acquaintances,” SBS Entertainment News reported, quoting a statement from Law Firm Suho. The firm maintains that the funds were returned via bank transfer the following day after the parties failed to meet in person.
The investigation faces a central dispute regarding the nature of a 30 million won payment made to the complainant. While Kim’s side presents the transfer as evidence of repayment, Mr. A disputes this classification entirely.
Conflicting accounts of the 30 million won transfer
Mr. A claims the 30 million won received on October 31, 2021, was a 10% profit from a 300 million won investment, Kagit reported. He further said that the 300 million won received the next day was the return of the principal investment amount.
According to chosun.com, the complainant argues that if the 22 million won had been properly returned, the total amount received should have been 352 million won. Mr. A also denied that a 25 million won transfer to a corporate account was compensation, asserting it was actually the repayment of a personal loan.
Kagit reported that Mr. A accused Kim of repeatedly taking smaller amounts of cash, ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 won, from his wallet without permission in the past.
Did you know? The two parties reportedly maintained a close relationship for several years, with Mr. A claiming they visited entertainment venues together 70 to 80 times between 2020 and 2025.
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Chosunbiz said that because the gathering took place in October 2021 during COVID-19 level 4 social distancing, the incident may raise questions regarding quarantine law violations.
Chosunbiz reported that the string of controversies unrelated to Kim’s profession has tarnished her reputation as a successful “ratings star.”
Police investigation focus
The Gangnam Police Station is currently investigating the theft complaint. According to Kagit, authorities will focus on two primary factors: whether Kim possessed the intent to steal when he took the money, and whether the subsequent 30 million won transfer constitutes a “repayment” or “investment profit.”
Law Firm Suho stated they intend to take strong action against claims that do not align with the truth. “Actor Kim Seung-woo’s side has fully clarified the facts to the investigative agency based on relevant data,” the firm told SBS Entertainment News.
Questions regarding Kim Seung-woo's alleged cash and check theft
What is the specific amount Kim Seung-woo is accused of taking?
The complainant alleges that Kim took 22 million won in cash and checks from him in October 2021.
How does Kim’s legal team explain the incident?
Lawyers for Kim described the act as a “playful act” or prank that occurred during a drinking session among acquaintances in a public setting.
Was the money ever returned?
Kim’s side claims the funds were immediately returned via bank transfer the next day, but the complainant argues the money received was actually investment profit and principal repayment.
Police continue to investigate the intent and nature of the transactions.
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