Actor Kim Seungwoo faces a police investigation after an acquaintance filed a complaint accusing him of stealing 22 million won.
Police Probe 2021 Theft Claim
Gangnam Police Station said on November 12 that it received a complaint in July requesting an investigation into Kim Seungwoo on suspicion of theft. A person identified as A, an acquaintance of Kim, submitted a complaint to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station.
The complainant claimed that Kim took 22 million won in cash and checks from him at an entertainment bar in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, in October 2021.
A invested in the drama “The Driver,” directed by Kim. The complainant alleged that Kim secretly took the cash from his wallet while A had left a bag inside the room and briefly stepped away, as reported by StarNews.
Lawyers Deny Criminal Intent
Law Firm Suho, representing Kim, released an official statement addressing the allegations on November 12. Legal representatives maintained that the money was taken as a joke during a drinking session.
“This incident was a playful act that occurred during a drinking gathering among close acquaintances in an open setting where everyone present witnessed it,” said Law Firm Suho.
Kim’s representatives added that there was no plan to keep the funds.
“We planned to meet again a few hours later to return the funds,” said Law Firm Suho.
“Actor Kim Seungwoo had no intention whatsoever to illegally acquire someone else’s money, meaning there was completely no criminal intent,” said Law Firm Suho.
Disputed Claims Over Fund Transfers
Kim’s legal representatives said the money was transferred back after the parties failed to meet the following day. Law Firm Suho said that both parties maintained a close relationship afterward and that Kim provided financial assistance when the informant faced difficulties.
“Because the parties could not meet the next day, actor Kim Seungwoo immediately returned the funds to the informant via bank transfer, further demonstrating a lack of intent. Afterward, both parties continued to get along like brothers with no issues, and when the informant faced a difficult situation, actor Kim Seungwoo even provided financial assistance,” said Law Firm Suho.
Kim’s side submitted bank transfer records showing funds sent to A following the incident. These records included 25 million won transferred to a corporation owned by A in three installments between March 21, 2023, and April 21, 2026, according to StarNews.
A countered that the transfers represented investment principal, promised returns, and a personal loan, maintaining that they were unrelated to the missing cash.
“For reasons unknown, the informant is making claims that do not align with the truth and has even filed a criminal complaint. We intend to take strong action against this,” said Law Firm Suho.
Law Firm Suho said actor Kim Seungwoo’s side has fully clarified the facts to the investigative agency based on relevant data. “We plan to respond sternly through legal procedures against claims that differ from the facts,” said Law Firm Suho.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm anything beyond whether a complaint was filed,” said a police official.