A popular K-pop star has decided to retire from the entertainment industry after being accused of being involved in a prostitution ring.
Seungri, a member of Big Bang, one of the country’s biggest K-pop groups, has been charged following allegations he supplied prostitutes to foreign investors at nightclubs in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
The 28-year-old, known as “Korea’s Great Gatsby” for his outlandish style, announced his retirement in order to fight the accusations.
The singer, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun, wants to spare his band members and management agency further public embarrassment, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
The allegations spread across social media platforms on Monday.
Shares in the band’s talent agency, YG Entertainment, slid as much as 14 per cent, and other K-pop management companies suffered similar losses, according to Bloomberg.
Police are investigating the Burning Sun nightclub, where the K-pop star was a public relations director, Yonhap reported.
The establishment has allegedly housed illegal drug use, police corruption, and sexual assaults.
Seungri has denied all prostitution charges, which carry a prison sentence of up to three years in South Korea.
The singer wrote on his Instagram account that he had decided to retire from K-pop, saying it "would be better" if he left the entertainment scene, because "the scandal is too big.
He wrote: “In the past month, I have been criticised by the people.”
“I am grateful to all the fans in Korea and abroad for their love over the last 10 years. Again, sorry and sorry.”
Speculations were later sparked that the singer would be unable to commence his national military service later this month, compulsory for all able-bodied South Korean men aged 18 to 35.
The 28-year-old was due to enrol on 25 March, but the military said he can submit a written request for a possible deferment while he fights the charges.
Police said they would conduct their investigation while he serves in the army, and have reportedly confiscated his passport.
The five-member group Big Bang has a racked up a huge global following since its inception in 2006.
The band is taking a hiatus as three members serve in the army, whilst Seungri has cancelled his remaining solo tour shows.
