First-generation internet broadcaster BJ Cheolgu has confessed to engaging in illegal gambling and borrowing money from loan sharks, announcing plans to turn himself in to the police. This revelation has prompted fellow BJs to make additional claims, suggesting that Cheolgu's actual debt may be significantly higher than he disclosed.
On July 27, Cheolgu admitted during a live broadcast that he had been involved in illegal gambling since 2024 and had incurred approximately 6 billion won in value-added tax, leading to financial difficulties. He stated that he borrowed money from several BJs, including Kei, Jjapgu, and Inho, and expressed his intention to surrender to the authorities.
In response, fellow BJs discussed the extent of Cheolgu's debts. Jjapgu recounted, "When I lent him money, I asked why he needed it. I wasn't sure if it was for taxes or if he was rolling over debts, but he mentioned the interest was extremely high." He added, "I initially lent him about 500 million won, but that amount grew to 1 billion and then 1.5 billion. In total, I've lent him around 3 billion won, and he still owes me about 1.5 billion." Jjapgu noted that Cheolgu had claimed he was earning 1 billion won a month from trading and promised to repay all his debts, which led Jjapgu to lend him more money.
Another BJ, Ukhaneun Hyung, claimed that Cheolgu's debt had already been known in the broadcasting community. He stated, "I was aware that he owed 2.3 billion won to Kei and 2 billion won to Jjapgu, and including the 6 billion won in taxes, I estimated his total debt to be around 10 billion won plus additional amounts."
In response, Kei remarked, "I apologize, but Cheolgu said he owed 2.3 billion won, but if you include the interest he mentioned, the total debt is actually 3.6 billion won." He explained that when factoring in high-interest loans, the actual burden is even greater.
However, the claim of Cheolgu's debt exceeding 10 billion won has not been confirmed by him and remains based solely on the assertions of his fellow BJs.
Meanwhile, Cheolgu has acknowledged his involvement in illegal gambling and loan sharking and has stated his intention to turn himself in to the police. Following his confession, the testimonies from fellow BJs have drawn attention to the actual scale of his debts and the flow of funds.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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