Seventeen’s Seungkwan debunks 600,000 KRW ‘good deed’ rumor, warns of impersonation scams
Seungkwan denied a viral claim that he prepaid 600,000 KRW at a barbecue restaurant on Jeju Island and arranged free drinks for fans.
On August 2, Seungkwan went live on a fan communication platform to address the story after debating whether to speak about it.
The rumor said he had prepaid 600,000 KRW (approximately 430 USD) at a barbecue restaurant reportedly run by an acquaintance and that fans who visited received complimentary drinks. Some fans posting that they had received free beverages helped spread the story.
Seungkwan firmly rejected the claim.
Seungkwan explained:
“I have never prepaid money at that restaurant, not even once. It’s simply not true”
He added that he is no longer in contact with the person involved and described filming a vlog with good intentions before fans started visiting the restaurant.
Seungkwan said:
“I’m no longer in contact with that friend. We filmed something like a vlog together with good intentions, but after fans started visiting the restaurant, something happened that I can’t explain in detail. It crossed a line that I couldn’t tolerate.”
He expressed worry about fans who were harmed by the situation and clarified he does not want a false “heartwarming” story attached to him.
Seungkwan said:
“Some fans were actually harmed. I could never tolerate fans being put in that position,”
“I’m not trying to stop anyone from visiting the restaurant if they genuinely enjoy the food, but I don’t want something I never did to spread around as if it were a heartwarming story.”
He also issued a warning about impersonators claiming they can sell concert tickets or connect fans with him.
Seungkwan warned:
“Anyone claiming to be my friend and saying they can get you concert tickets or connect you with me in exchange for money is lying. I never do things like that,”
Seungkwan said he might sometimes pay for someone’s meal if they run into each other by chance but that he will never leave advance payments at restaurants.
He closed by asking that impersonation or scam cases be reported to his agency.
“If anyone impersonates me or if you’ve suffered a similar scam, please report it to my agency via email.”