Singer MC Mong has directly apologized to actor and singer Kim Min-jong, and with Kim Min-jong accepting the apology, the four-month gambling controversy has come to an end.
During a personal livestream on the 5th, MC Mong revealed that he met Kim Min-jong in person to clear up the misunderstanding. He stated, "I apologize once again for causing misunderstandings regarding Min-jong hyung-nim. Mentioning Kim Min-jong sunbaenim in the first place was my mistake. Whatever articles come out after this, I will accept all of them." He added, "We successfully resolved the misunderstanding about Kim Min-jong sunbaenim's gambling today, and hyung-nim gave me a warm hug."
The controversy began on May 18th when MC Mong raised suspicions of an illegal celebrity gambling gathering during a personal livestream and specifically named Kim Min-jong. Although Kim Min-jong's side immediately stated that the claims were groundless, the controversy led to tangible damage. He stepped down from a new Hollywood film shooting on location in the United States, and two advertising contracts in discussion were also suspended.
After immediately refuting the claims as untrue and maintaining silence, Kim Min-jong officially filed a criminal complaint against MC Mong on the 1st through his legal representative for defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.
Kim Min-jong's side stated at the time, "As the claims spread through media and online platforms, the reputation and trust built over approximately 38 years since his debut in 1988 have been severely damaged," adding, "We plan to faithfully cooperate with the investigation procedures to clarify the facts and sequentially carry out necessary legal actions, including filing a civil claim for damages."
MC Mong, who had shown no particular reaction immediately following the complaint, changed his attitude and apologized four days later on the 5th.
Previously, on the 18th of last month, former entertainment reporter turned YouTuber Lee Jin-ho released a recording of a person presumed to be Cha Ga-won, the head of One Hundred Label, creating a turning point.
In the recording, the individual stated, "Kim Min-jong was a visitor, so there is no record whatsoever." Regarding the point that Kim Min-jong touched chips and was sanctioned, the person replied, "I heard he didn't touch the chips. That staff member spoke directly with the dealer. He was just sitting next to Cha Jun-young."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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