Singer and actor Lee Seung Gi has announced his decision to cut ties with his wife Lee Da In’s family following renewed legal troubles involving her stepfather’s stock manipulation case. The move, intended to distance himself from the controversy, has instead sparked significant backlash from the Korean public, who question the timing and sincerity of his actions.
Background of the Controversy
Lee Seung Gi, a beloved figure in South Korea known for his clean image, married actress Lee Da In in April 2023. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2020, has been under scrutiny due to the controversial background of Lee Da In’s family. Her mother, veteran actress Kyeon Mi Ri, and stepfather, businessman Lee Hong Heon, have been linked to stock manipulation scandals since 2016.
Lee Hong Heon was accused of manipulating stock prices of a KOSDAQ-listed company, BotaBio, between 2014 and 2016. He allegedly used Kyeon Mi Ri’s fame to attract investors, leading to significant financial losses for thousands. Reports estimate the damages ranged from ₩26 billion KRW (approximately $23.3 million USD) to as high as ₩4 trillion KRW (about $3.58 billion USD). In 2018, he was sentenced to four years in prison but was later acquitted on appeal. However, in June 2024, the South Korean Supreme Court overturned the not-guilty verdict, reinstating charges against him.
The scandal resurfaced in early 2025 when Lee Hong Heon faced new indictments for similar illegal activities. This prompted Lee Seung Gi to issue a public statement on April 29, 2025, addressing the issue and announcing his decision to sever ties with his in-laws.
Lee Seung Gi’s Statement and Apology
On April 29, 2025, Lee Seung Gi released a statement expressing his distress over his father-in-law’s actions. He acknowledged the damage caused by the scandal and apologized for his earlier remarks defending his in-laws.
As someone who had trusted family bonds, I cannot hide my deep sense of devastation over my father-in-law’s misconduct. I deeply regret my previous hasty remarks without fully verifying the situation last year. Illegal actions must be rightfully punished. I sincerely apologize to the victims who have suffered due to my rash judgment. I also extend my deepest apologies to everyone who trusted and supported me.
The trust within our family has been irreparably damaged due to this incident. After long deliberation, my wife and I have decided to cut ties with my in-laws. I will strive to live with sound values and a stronger sense of responsibility for a healthier society.
— Lee Seung Gi
The statement was meant to address the public’s concerns and show accountability. However, it has been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing Lee Seung Gi of acting too late.
Public and Netizen Reactions
The Korean public’s response has been largely negative, with netizens expressing skepticism about Lee Seung Gi’s motives. Many believe he was aware of the family’s controversial history before marrying Lee Da In and only acted after public pressure intensified. Comments on platforms like theqoo reflect this sentiment:
He’s putting on a show LOL. So the whole country knew, but he didn’t, so he got married? And now he’s cutting ties? LOL.
Feels like he’s pretending to cut ties in case the victims come to him asking for money.
Does he take the public for fools?
Huh? Well, okay… Live the way you want… Anyway, he’s already someone I’m over and done with.
Suddenly?
Some fans, however, have shown support, arguing that Lee Seung Gi faced a difficult situation. A post on X from user @samwins__ on April 29, 2025, stated:
So proud of Seunggi, it must’ve been a difficult decision. He just wanted to stand by his wife & at the time of his marriage that man was ruled non-guilty. I hope ppl can c y he didn’t break it off then.
Despite this, the dominant narrative online suggests that Lee Seung Gi’s reputation, once untarnished, has taken a significant hit. His image as the “nation’s younger brother” has been challenged, with critics arguing that his association with Lee Da In’s family has permanently altered public perception.
History of the Relationship and Fan Protests
The controversy surrounding Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In’s relationship dates back to May 2021, when their dating news was confirmed. Fans quickly raised concerns about Lee Da In’s family, particularly Lee Hong Heon’s criminal history. In a notable incident, a fan rented a protest truck that parked near Lee Seung Gi’s home in Seoul, displaying messages urging him to end the relationship:
[Lee Da In’s family] had created too many victims.
It’s okay if you didn’t know, we’ll inform you now. They have created too many victims.
Are you willing to destroy your 17-year-old career? A quick decision must be made.
Lee Seung Gi’s largest fan club, Lee Seung Gi Gallery, also issued a statement in 2021, refusing to support the relationship due to the potential damage to his image. Despite these protests, Lee Seung Gi continued the relationship, leading to their marriage in 2023.
In April 2023, after their wedding, Lee Seung Gi defended Lee Da In and her family in a detailed Instagram post, claiming that media reports about the stock manipulation case were misleading. He stated that Lee Da In’s parents had filed complaints against five media outlets for spreading misinformation. This defense further fueled public criticism, with some accusing him of downplaying the severity of the scandal.
Impact on Lee Seung Gi’s Career
Lee Seung Gi has enjoyed a successful career since his debut in 2004, starring in popular dramas like Vagabond and Mouse, and hosting variety shows such as Master in the House. His clean image earned him widespread admiration, but the ongoing controversy has led to a noticeable decline in public favor.
In November 2024, at a press conference for his film About Family, Lee Seung Gi addressed the issue, emphasizing that he and Lee Da In had formed an independent family separate from her parents. His agency, Big Planet Made, also urged the public to stop involving his family in the scandal and threatened legal action against defamatory claims. However, these efforts have done little to quell the backlash.
The birth of Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In’s daughter in February 2024 briefly shifted focus to their growing family, but the renewed legal troubles in 2025 have brought the controversy back into the spotlight. Some netizens have speculated that Lee Seung Gi’s career may not fully recover, with comments on platforms like Reddit suggesting that his once-stellar reputation is now tarnished.
Current Status and Public Sentiment
As of April 29, 2025, Lee Seung Gi’s decision to cut ties with his in-laws has not alleviated public criticism. The timing of his announcement, coinciding with Lee Hong Heon’s latest indictment, has led many to question its authenticity. Posts on X from accounts like @Koreaboo and @soompi highlight the ongoing debate, with some users sympathizing with Lee Seung Gi’s predicament, while others view his actions as a calculated move to protect his image.
Lee Da In, who continues her acting career with roles in dramas like Alice and the upcoming Lovers, has also faced scrutiny, though she has not been directly implicated in her stepfather’s actions. The couple’s decision to distance themselves from her family is seen as an attempt to move forward, but public sentiment remains divided.
The case has also reignited discussions about the broader impact of the stock manipulation scandal, with netizens highlighting the plight of the estimated 350,000 victims. Comments on theqoo reflect anger toward Lee Da In’s family, with some questioning how they have continued to maintain their status in the entertainment industry.
Oh my god there are a lot of victims. Please, I hope these types of people stop appearing on broadcasted programs.
There are 350,000+ victims, but they have been able to remain actresses during this time?
The most recent development is Lee Seung Gi’s April 29, 2025, statement, which marks a significant shift from his earlier defense of his in-laws. His apology and decision to sever ties indicate an acknowledgment of the public’s concerns and the gravity of the situation. However, the backlash suggests that restoring his former reputation will be challenging.
Lee Seung Gi continues to work on projects, including the comedy film About Family, released in December 2024, where he plays a monk with a scandalous past. His agency has reiterated its commitment to protecting him from false rumors, but the public’s trust appears shaken.
Also Read: Lee Seung Gi Severs Ties With In-Laws Over Father-in-Law’s Stock Manipulation Scandal
Lee Da In’s family, particularly Kyeon Mi Ri and Lee Hong Heon, remains under legal scrutiny, with the latter facing ongoing court proceedings. The outcome of these cases may further influence public perception of Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In.
Source: theqoo
