Lee Seung Gi and his wife, Lee Da In, have decided to cut ties with her family following a stock manipulation scandal involving her father-in-law. The actor issued a public apology for his earlier remarks and expressed regret for the victims affected by the controversy.
Background of the Controversy
The issue centers on Lee Seung Gi’s father-in-law, Lim Yeong Gyu, who is married to veteran actress Kyeon Mi Ri. He faced charges for manipulating stock prices of a Kosdaq-listed company between November 2014 and February 2016. The scheme allegedly earned him and his associates 2.37 billion KRW (about $1.8 million USD).
Initially, Lim Yeong Gyu was sentenced to prison and fined in the first trial for violating the Capital Markets Act. However, an appellate court acquitted him, raising questions about the ruling’s fairness. Some reports noted that one of his lawyers was a former classmate of the judge, fueling public skepticism.
In June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned the acquittal, sending the case back to the Seoul High Court. The court ruled that the misleading disclosures were unlawful and harmful to investors. Recently, Lim Yeong Gyu faced new indictments for similar illegal activities, intensifying the controversy.
Lee Seung Gi’s Initial Response
When the scandal resurfaced in 2023, Lee Seung Gi defended his in-laws, calling the allegations against Lim Yeong Gyu “clearly false.” He expressed frustration with media coverage and urged the public to leave his family out of the matter. His agency, Big Planet Made, also issued a statement requesting privacy and warning of legal action against false reports.
“We sincerely ask you to leave the family alone. Mr. Lee Seung Gi is now doing his best at being the head of the household, father, husband, and son-in-law.”
— Big Planet Made
These remarks drew criticism from netizens, who felt Lee Seung Gi was dismissive of the victims’ suffering. Many pointed out the irony, given his own experience as a victim of financial misconduct by his former agency, Hook Entertainment.
Public Apology and Decision to Cut Ties
On April 29, 2025, Lee Seung Gi released a detailed statement acknowledging his earlier misjudgment. He expressed deep regret for his “rash remarks” in 2024 and apologized to the victims of the stock manipulation scheme.
“Hello, this is Lee Seung Gi. I apologize for delivering this message with a heavy heart. My father-in-law was sentenced to a fine in a retrial for illegal acts and was recently indicted by authorities again for similar unlawful acts. As someone who waited for the results based on trust as a family member, I cannot express how devastated I am about my father-in-law’s misconduct.
I deeply regret my rash remarks last year without sufficiently reviewing the matter. I believe that appropriate punishment should be given for illegal acts, and I apologize to the victims who suffered due to my hasty judgment and to those who trusted and supported me.
This has led our family to a point where our relationship is difficult to restore, and after much thought, my wife and I have decided to cut ties with my in-laws. I will live with righteous values and a more responsible attitude for a healthy society. I bow my head again for causing concern and disappointment due to personal matters. Thank you.”
— Lee Seung Gi
The decision to sever ties with Lee Da In’s family was made after extensive discussions between the couple. Lee Seung Gi emphasized that the trust within their family was “irreparably damaged” due to the repeated illegal acts.
Public and Netizen Reactions
The announcement sparked mixed reactions. Some praised Lee Seung Gi for taking responsibility and distancing himself from the controversy. Others criticized him, arguing his apology came too late. Netizens expressed varied sentiments online:
“Can’t believe they are threatening to sue even before this news became the center of attention… So then what about victims’ families?”
“Oh my god, there are a lot of victims. Please, I hope these types of people stop appearing on broadcasted programs.”
“The estimated losses suffered by the manipulation(s) is ₩26.0 billion KRW (about $23.3 million USD)… I had no idea it was such a massive problem.”
Some fans expressed disappointment, noting that Lee Seung Gi’s clean image, earned over nearly two decades in the industry, had been tarnished. The controversy also reignited scrutiny of Lee Da In, whose family history has been a point of contention since the couple’s relationship went public in 2021.
Impact on Lee Seung Gi’s Career
Lee Seung Gi, often called the “nation’s younger brother,” has enjoyed a stellar career since his debut in 2004. Known for dramas like Vagabond and variety shows like Busted!, he has maintained a positive public image. However, the scandal has led to a reported dip in his popularity.
In 2023, some claimed his concert ticket sales for The Dreamer’s Dream – Chapter 2 tour were lower than previous years. However, his agency refuted these claims, stating that his shows in South Korea, Japan, and Taipei sold out. His recent film, About Family, a comedy directed by Yang Woo Seok, was released on December 11, 2024. At the film’s press conference, Lee Seung Gi addressed the controversy cautiously, emphasizing his and Lee Da In’s independent household.
Lee Da In’s Family Background
Lee Da In, an actress known for roles in dramas like Alice, is the daughter of Kyeon Mi Ri, a veteran actress famous for Dae Jang Geum. Her stepfather, Lim Yeong Gyu, was previously married to Kyeon Mi Ri from 1987 to 1993 and is the biological father of Lee Da In and her sister, Lee Yoo Bi. The family’s financial troubles date back to 2011 and 2016, when Lim Yeong Gyu was arrested for stock manipulation and insider trading.
In 2016, the scheme reportedly affected over 350,000 victims, with some tragic cases leading to suicides. A leaked recording in 2024 revealed Lim Yeong Gyu discussing using Lee Seung Gi to settle debts, further damaging public perception.
Personal Life and Family
Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In began dating in 2021 and married on April 7, 2023. They welcomed their daughter on February 5, 2024. Despite the controversy, the couple has emphasized their commitment to building an independent family. Lee Seung Gi clarified in November 2024 that they have established a separate household from Lee Da In’s parents.
Current Developments
As of April 29, 2025, Lim Yeong Gyu faces ongoing legal proceedings following his latest indictment. Lee Seung Gi has pledged to adopt “righteous values” and take a more responsible approach moving forward. His agency, Big Planet Made, has not issued further statements, but the actor’s apology signals a shift in his stance.
The couple continues to navigate the fallout while focusing on their family and careers. Lee Seung Gi’s upcoming projects, including hosting variety shows with Kang Ho Dong, indicate his intent to move forward professionally.
Source: yna
