Actor Kim Seung-woo, 57, has been accused of stealing 22 million won ($16,500) from an acquaintance at a drinking gathering, but his side has pushed back, saying he not only returned the money but also provided financial support to the acquaintance's family for an extended period.
Kim's legal team's position on the case was shared Friday on the YouTube channel "Respect Lee Jin-ho," run by former entertainment reporter-turned-YouTuber Lee Jin-ho.
The acquaintance, identified only as A, filed a theft complaint with police in July, alleging that Kim took 22 million won in cash from A's wallet at a Gangnam entertainment venue in 2021 and had not returned it despite repeated requests.
Kim acknowledges taking the money but insists it was a prank, not theft, and that he has already returned it.
Kim's legal representative said the gathering was among close acquaintances and that the act was carried out playfully in front of others. Because Kim intended to return the money from the outset, the representative said, it does not constitute theft.
Kim's side said he tried to meet A the following day to return the cash but their schedules did not align, so he transferred 30 million won instead — the original 22 million won plus additional amounts to cover the cost of the evening and as a gesture of apology.
A's side, however, maintains that the 30 million won was a profit payment owed under a 300 million won ($225,000) drama series investment agreement. With the two sides offering conflicting accounts, the dispute is expected to be resolved through a police investigation.
Separately, Kim's team said he provided ongoing financial assistance to A's family. After A was imprisoned early last year, Kim transferred 2 million won a month to A's family for 13 months through February last year, totaling 26 million won. His side said he helped the family because the two had been close enough to address each other as brothers.
The trouble began after the support stopped, according to Kim's side. His team said a person connected to A made additional requests for money, after which a formal legal notice was delivered and a criminal complaint followed.
Kim's side said it would take legal action against any claims it considers false.
paq@heraldcorp.com
