Singer Park Hyo Shin is accused of fraud in a new lawsuit filed by his former agency, marking his fifth legal battle since 2016. The case, centered on a shareholding dispute, has sparked discussions among fans as the artist prepares for his upcoming musical performance.
Background of the Latest Lawsuit
On April 7, 2025, former representatives of Glove Entertainment, along with shareholders, filed a lawsuit against Park Hyo Shin at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul. The plaintiffs accuse him of violating the Specific Economic Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act through fraud and obstruction of business. The dispute revolves around shares issued by Glove Entertainment in May 2016 and August 2018.
The accusers claim Park Hyo Shin misled them about share ownership. They allege he falsely stated a “nominee trust agreement” existed, leading them to believe he entrusted shares under their names. This caused financial losses, as they could not exercise rights over 23,300 shares. The plaintiffs describe this as “triangular fraud,” where the deceived party and victim differ.
Park Hyo Shin has denied the fraud allegations. In an interview with SPOTV News, he confirmed a civil lawsuit over shares but stated no criminal fraud charges were filed. His side insists the accusations are inaccurate.
Previous Legal Disputes
This is not the first time Park Hyo Shin has faced legal challenges. He has been involved in four other lawsuits since 2016, mostly related to contracts and financial disputes.
In 2016, Nissy Entertainment, his former agency, sued him for illegally terminating his contract, demanding 1 billion KRW (about $750,000). Park Hyo Shin countersued, and both parties later withdrew the lawsuit.
In 2018, Interstage (also known as Nawon Entertainment) filed a lawsuit claiming he breached his contract. They sought 3 billion KRW (around $2.25 million) in damages. The court ruled in favor of Interstage, and Park Hyo Shin was ordered to pay.
In May 2014, another agency accused him of evading debt collectors by hiding assets after a court ordered him to pay 1.5 billion KRW (approximately $1.5 million) for breaching a contract. He repaid 3.3 billion KRW, including interest, in March 2014. The court later declared him innocent of fraud in July 2014.
In 2019, a businessman claimed Park Hyo Shin defrauded him of 400 million KRW (about $345,000) in luxury goods and cash by promising to sign with his agency. The singer allegedly received a 270 million KRW Bentley, a 60 million KRW Mercedes-Benz for his mother, a 14 million KRW watch, and 58 million KRW in cash. He denied the allegations, and Glove Entertainment called the claims false.
“Park Hyo Shin has never gained any financial gifts from another party on the condition of an exclusive contract.”
— Glove Entertainment, June 28, 2019
Public and Fan Reactions
The latest lawsuit has stirred mixed reactions. Some fans express concern over Park Hyo Shin’s repeated legal issues, with a few labeling him a “red flag” on social media. Others remain supportive, believing the disputes stem from complex business dealings rather than intentional wrongdoing.
“Another lawsuit? This is getting out of hand. I love his music, but what’s going on?”
“I trust Hyo Shin. These agencies keep targeting him. He’ll get through this.”
— Netizen comments on X, April 25, 2025
Some netizens question the credibility of the accusers. They point out that previous lawsuits, like the 2019 fraud case, relied on verbal agreements without written contracts, raising doubts about the plaintiffs’ claims.
Ongoing Career Amid Legal Battles
Despite the controversies, Park Hyo Shin continues his career. He is set to perform in the 10th-anniversary production of the musical Phantom, opening on May 31, 2025. The singer has a history of delivering successful performances, even during legal disputes. In 2019, he held a six-day solo concert, Live 2019 Lovers: Where is Your Love?, at the KSPO Dome in Seoul.
Park Hyo Shin debuted in 1999 and is known for hit songs like Wild Flower, which sold 5 million copies, and Snow Flower. He has also starred in musicals such as The Man Who Laughs and contributed to drama soundtracks, including The Day for Mr. Sunshine.
In 2022, he faced issues with Glove Entertainment over unpaid music revenue and contract deposits. He filed a lawsuit as a shareholder, holding a 39.37% stake in the company, and won the first trial in January 2023. He later established his own agency, Herbigharo, in 2022.
More K-Pop News:
NewJeans and Indomie Pop-Up Event Sparks Confusion Amid ADOR and Team Bunnies Dispute
Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Aran, Saena, and Sio Set to Debut as ablume with Single Album Echo
K-Pop Group aespa, IVE, NCT WISH, and More to Perform at Show! Music Core in Japan 2025
The fraud lawsuit filed in April 2025 is under investigation at the Yongsan Police Station. No formal charges have been confirmed, and Park Hyo Shin maintains his innocence. Fans await updates while supporting his upcoming Phantom performance. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the singer and his former agencies, a recurring theme in his career.
CREDITS: SPOTV News
