"I have decided to retire because the controversy has become so big"

BIGBANG singer Seungri has been dropped by YG Entertainment amid an escort scandal.

The BBC reports that BIGBANG star Seungri has quit show business amid a “sex bribery” scandal.

Seungri, 28, was initially questioned in February by police for drug-taking and sexual assault at the Burning Sun club; he worked there as a public relations director.

The singer was allegedly linked to providing sex services to investors of his entertainment and restaurant company Yuri Holdings.

Furthermore Seungri – AKA Lee Seung-hyun – also allegedly obtained prostitutes for clients through a group chat on Kakao in 2015. Additionally, he was allegedly involved in a chat in which secretly-filmed sex videos were shared. K-pop singer Jung Joon-young reportedly taped the clips involving 10 women.

In light of the allegations, Seungri announced his retirement from the industry.

“I have decided to retire because the controversy has become so big,” the Kpop superstar wrote on Instagram. “I have faced heavy criticism from the public for the last month and-a-half and I’m being probed by all investigative authorities in the country.”

“As I’ve been branded as a ‘national traitor’, I cannot stand the fact that I’m harming others for my own sake,” he added.

“I’m so embarrassed at myself for being your fan for the last 10 years,” he replied to one comment.

In a statement, he promised to “sincerely participate in investigations into all allegations”. Seungri has also cancelled his March solo tour dates and apologised to fans, whilst denying hiring prostitutes.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

승리입니다 제가 이시점에서 연예계를 은퇴를하는것이 좋을거같습니다. 사회적 물의를 일으킨 사안이 너무나 커 연예계 은퇴를 결심했습니다 수사중인 사안에 있어서는 성실하게 조사를 받아 쌓인 모든 의혹을 밝히도록 하겠습니다. 지난 한달반동안 국민들로부터 질타받고 미움받고 지금 국내 모든 수사기관들이 저를 조사하고 있는 상황에서 국민역적 으로까지 몰리는 상황인데 저 하나 살자고 주변 모두에게 피해주는일은 도저히 제스스로가 용납이 안됩니다 지난 10여 년간 많은 사랑을 베풀어준 국내외 많은 팬분들께 모든 진심을 다해 감사드리며 와이지와 빅뱅 명예를 위해서라도 저는 여기까지인거같습니다 다시한번 죄송하고 또 죄송합니다 그동안 모든분들께 감사했습니다

A post shared by @ seungriseyo on

YG Entertaiment – BIGBANG’s agency – has since terminated Seungri’s contract.

In a statement, YG wrote:

“Hello, this is YG Entertainment.

Starting from the recent club assault scandal, which Seungri was involved in, we would like to apologize for the concern we have caused many people, including the fans, due to the numerous suspicions and controversies.

After Seungri announced his retirement on March 12, YG Entertainment has honoured Seungri’s request to terminate his exclusive contract.

As an artist management company, we admit that we have not managed our artists as thoroughly as we should, and we are deeply reflecting on that.

Finally, YG Entertainment is aware that we need major improvements, and we promise to work with all of our executives and employees to put those improvements into place.”