"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.
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.”