A prominent singer-turned-producer is facing fresh allegations that he gambled tens of billions of won overseas, with a reported focus on Las Vegas.
On Jan. 29, TV Chosun reported that a producer identified as Mr. Shin ― an artist under a label run by a figure identified as Mr. Cha ― allegedly took multiple gambling trips between August 2023 and January 2025. According to the outlet, police have received a tip and are looking into the claims.
Per the report, in June of last year Mr. Cha allegedly sent a KakaoTalk message to a related party at the company, attaching an Excel sheet said to detail expenses tied to Mr. Shin’s gambling and claiming he “covered the debt.”
The outlet further claimed the file indicated Mr. Shin obtained short-term credit at two Las Vegas hotel casinos.
In addition, during a deal to acquire a stake in Mr. Shin’s agency, Mr. Cha allegedly wired 2 billion won in advances to the company ― money that accusers say was used to pay gambling debts. As a result, performance advances were purportedly diverted into gambling funds, according to the claims.
Mr. Shin has denied the allegations, saying he visited Las Vegas on business but did not gamble. He also called the purported casino loan records “fabricated.”
This isn’t the first controversy involving Mr. Shin. Recent media coverage has surfaced various disputes surrounding both Shin and Cha. In response, Mr. Shin has claimed that members of Mr. Cha’s family threatened and assaulted him to seize corporate shares, and that any conflicting statements were made under duress and are not factual.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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