South Korean Stars Set to be Charged with “Habitual Gambling”

A number of South Korean celebrities are facing “habitual gambling” charges as law enforcement officials collect evidence about overseas play. K-pop p singer Seungri and CEO of YG Entertainment, Yang Hyun Suk, were a number of names who are now expected to be charged.  

In South Korea, it’s not just against the law to use overseas betting operators while you’re in the country, it’s also unlawful to gamble when you travel abroad too.  

Tough betting laws 

South Korea has very strict laws on gambling in the country, and only permits very selective activity. South Korean residents may play on local lotteries, at Kangwon Land Casino and a few isolated races. They may not gamble in overseas casinos regardless of their location.  

However, the law around betting has an unusual wording, permitting gambling which was done for “momentary pleasure” but outlawing bets which are deemed to be “habitual”. 

Any person who’s found guilty of habitual gambling could face up to three years in prison as well as a fine of up to US $17,000. 

Multiple trip 

The investigation was finally wrapped up by police this week after extensive research. Officers now believe they’ve got enough evidence to charge the stars they’ve been investigating for gambling which they believe can be classed as habitual.  

In the case of Seungri, police now know that he has been visiting Las Vegas casinos at least twice per year, a situation which has been ongoing since 2014. In fact, the police suspect Seungri has been visiting overseas casinos for longer but there is a statute of limitations of five years which means they’re unable to dig any further.  

The K-pop singer is alleged to have shelled out more than $800,000 in his casino visits since 2014. One of the others being charged, Yang Hyun Suk is believed to have spent $400,000-$500,000 during the same period.

At least three other adults, all of whom are connected with Yang Hyun Suk and are also public figures are being charged with similar counts.  

Two new legal agreements were signed between South Korea and Macau this week but officials have denied it is connected to these cases, or that it has anything to do with extraditing individuals for betting crimes specifically. However, the Consul General urged Koreans to exercise self-restraint while present in any overseas casino.