Le Sserafim member Kim Chae-won (left), and (G)I-DLE member Soyeon, both victims of unfounded drug rumors / Courtesy of Source Music, Cube Entertainment
Amid ongoing investigations into drug allegations against actor Lee Sun-kyun and singer G-Dragon, groundless rumors have been surfacing lately regarding other celebrities’ drug use. As the rumors include well-known names such as members of BTS, Kim Chae-won from Le Sserafim and Soyeon of (G)I-DLE, concerns are heightening within the entertainment industry.
In response to these rumors, several celebrities have firmly denied the allegations and hinted at taking legal action.
On Wednesday, BigHit Music, the agency representing BTS, denied any association between the band members and an illicit escort bar where actor Lee, known for the hit 2019 film “Parasite,” is alleged to have been involved in drug use. The bar operates on a membership basis, catering primarily to high-income clientele.
“These allegations are entirely unrelated to our artists and lack any basis in truth. We are fully committed to addressing the spread of such rumors with the utmost seriousness,” the agency stated. Members of BTS’ fanbase, ARMY, also expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the unfounded claims.
K-pop group BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music
Le Sserafim’s Kim also found herself entangled in drug-related rumors, with claims that her temporary suspension from group activities may have been related to potential drug investigations.
Kim’s agency, Source Music, addressed the allegations swiftly, emphasizing that “The rumors concerning Kim are without foundation.” It clarified that Kim’s break was due solely to her health concerns, as she had been dealing with an influenza A infection. Kim is set to return to group activities on Nov. 1.
Cube Entertainment, the agency for (G)I-DLE member Soyeon, also dismissed the drug rumors surrounding her, stating that they are “unsubstantiated.” The agency also announced its intent to take legal action against anyone spreading false information.
In some cases, law enforcement authorities have refuted the claims themselves. The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that there are “no such ongoing internal investigations” concerning former IZ*ONE member Kang Hye-won, who was also subject to drug-related rumors.
Apart from those who refuted unsubstantiated claims, there are more actors, celebrity couples and singers who have also been mentioned in speculations.
As the rumors continue to inflict reputational damage, the police have clarified that “there are no further ongoing investigations involving additional celebrities at this time.”
Actor Lee Sun-kyun (left), and singer-songwriter G-Dragon / Courtesy of HODU&U Entertainment, captured from G-Dragon’s social media
Meanwhile, the investigation into Lee’s alleged drug use remains at the forefront. Police found Lee’s case while investigating an anonymous individual regarding drug-related activities at an illicit escort bar in southern Seoul’s Gangnam District. Following an internal inquiry, Lee was booked without detention on Monday.
G-Dragon also recently faced allegations of drug use. Denying the allegations through his legal representative, he expressed his full willingness to cooperate with the investigating agency. This marks the second time the singer has been subject to a drug-related inquiry, after the first one was suspended without charges.