Lee Seung Gi ends ties with in-laws over stock price manipulation issue
Lee Seung Gi and his wife Lee Da In have severed ties with the latter's family following the renewed indictment of his father-in-law for stock price manipulation.
The Mouse star made the statement on April 29 following the news of the arrest of his father-in-law, Lee Hong Heon, over his involvement in stock manipulation at the renewable energy company Quantapia.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this message,” he began in his statement, as translated by K-media outlet Soompi.
He further conveyed his disappointment that Hong Heon faced another indictment for stock price manipulation.
“Although my father-in-law was previously sentenced to a fine in the retrial regarding the ongoing allegations of illegal activities, he has recently been indicted again by investigative authorities for similar unlawful acts. As someone who had been waiting for the outcome based on trust within the family, I am devastated and at a loss for words over my father-in-law’s wrongful actions,” he wrote.
“I deeply regret having spoken carelessly last year without thoroughly reviewing the matters related to my father-in-law. I firmly believe that any illegal acts must be met with appropriate punishment, and I sincerely apologize to the victims who may have suffered due to my hasty judgment,” the Vagabond actor said, while also expressing his apologies to his supporters.
Seung Gi added that the incident caused irreparable damage to trust within their family, which prompted him and Da In to cut ties with his in-laws.
“From now on, I will strive to uphold the right values and live with a sense of responsibility for a healthier society,” he added. “Once again, I bow my head in apology for causing concern and disappointment over this personal matter.”
In 2016, Hong Heon faced allegations of manipulating the stock price of a company called COREBEAT, which gained him tens of billions of won.
Two years later, Hong Heon was sentenced to four years in prison and fined 2.5 billion won (approximately P95 million) but was acquitted on appeal the following year.
This issue has also reportedly affected his relationship with Da In, whom he married in 2023. At the time, the public was against their relationship as it may affect his image due to surrounding issues of her family. The actor defended their marriage and in-laws, slamming a headline about his father-in-law's embezzlement as “misinformation.”
However, in June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned the acquittal of Hong Heon and three others. The case was placed for retrial, where he was deemed guilty.
