Lee Jin Ho who admitted to illegal gambling, duping BTS’ Jimin, dropped from popular Netflix shows

More trouble has surfaced for popular South Korean comedian Lee Jin Ho, who admitted to his struggle with a gambling addiction, as he has been dropped out of “Knowing Bros“. On October 14, comedian Lee Jin Ho issued a statement on Instagram, confessing to illegal gambling and the heavy debt it has caused him.

Reports from Korean media suggest that production team JTBC said Lee Jin-ho will be removed from popular Netflix show ‘Knowing Bros’ from this week’s recording. JTBC’s “Knowing Bros” announced, “Lee Jin Ho will leave the program starting with this week’s recording. We will edit out as much of his previously filmed content as possible.” (sic)

This controversy also affected Lee Jin Ho’s involvement with Netflix’s variety show “Comedy Revenge“, as per reports. He did not attend the press conference for the show, which took place today morning. Netflix addressed the issue, stating, “We are deeply disappointed to learn about this just a day before the show’s premiere.”

ALSO READ: BTS’ Jimin scammed: Comedian Lee Jin Ho admits to duping him of 100 mn KRW

Netflix further explained the difficulty in editing out his appearances due to the team-based structure of the program. They said, “Because the program is structured around team competitions, fully editing out specific teams presents significant challenges to the narrative. We ask for your understanding.”

BTS’ Jimin scammed by Lee Jin Ho

As Lee Jin Ho admitted to illegal gambling and the heavy debt it has caused him, the confession also brought more shocking news, including his involvement of defrauding several celebrities. Among the victims, BIGHIT MUSIC confirmed that BTS’ Jimin was scammed by Lee Jin Ho. The agency disclosed that Jimin had lent him a large sum of money solely based on a promissory note. Reports from Korean media suggest that Jimin had given Lee Jin Ho approximately 100 million KRW back in 2022, and the debt was never repaid.Lee Jin-ho said on his Instagram, “I started playing games on illegal gambling sites on the Internet by chance in 2020, and I took on a debt that was too much to handle,” and added, “I promise to repay the debt left to me no matter what.” I would also like to bow my head and apologize to many of you who would have been disappointed by me, who caused a social stir and was in a hurry to hide it. I will also faithfully receive the police investigation and pay for my fault,” he said.In a statement, Lee Jin-ho expressed regret for his actions. “I started playing games on illegal gambling sites on the Internet by chance in 2020, and I got a debt I couldn’t afford,” he said. He noted that advice from friends and fear for his career led him to acknowledge his problem. However, this came only after he had received significant financial help from others.

Lee revealed the emotional burden of his debt. He shared, “When I got a call to an unknown number, I thought it was a debt-related call, and I felt like every day was being beaten up by the fear of when this would be known to the world.”

He has decided to repay his debt and face the consequences. Lee stated, “I promise to pay off the debt left to me no matter what,” adding his intent to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

Lee Jin-ho, who debuted in SBS’s ‘Find Your Lover’ in 2005, has been active in comedy and entertainment. He concluded his confession with an apology to those disappointed by his actions. “I’m truly sorry,” he said.