First-generation internet broadcaster BJ Cheolgu has confessed to engaging in overseas gambling and illegal loan sharking, announcing his intention to surrender to the police. During a broadcast, he revealed his substantial tax arrears amounting to billions of won and admitted to borrowing large sums from fellow broadcasters and acquaintances, shocking viewers.
On July 27, Cheolgu addressed his audience directly through his internet broadcast.
He stated, "I will go to the police station at 8 a.m. to surrender. I have been gambling since the year before last and have used loan sharks. I am very sorry."
He continued, "At that time, I was spending over 1 billion won a week on gambling. I should have used my own money, but it became unmanageable, so I resorted to illegal loans from big spenders. I borrowed money and promised to pay back with interest the following week, which spiraled out of control."
Cheolgu explained that his financial situation worsened due to tax issues.
He said, "I had about 6 billion won in value-added tax. My accounts were seized, and I had no choice but to borrow money from various people to prevent this."
He also mentioned receiving help from fellow broadcasters.
Cheolgu noted, "K lent me 2.3 billion won, and I have repaid some of it. Jjapgu lent me 2 billion won, and Inho also offered to help."
He referred to a contract with a listed company.
Cheolgu explained, "Through the introduction of a big spender, I signed a contract with a listed company to borrow 2 billion won interest-free for one year. The money was supposed to arrive on July 24, but it never came."
He stated that without receiving these funds, he was unable to settle payments for the female BJs participating in his broadcast content.
Cheolgu said, "I ran around for three days trying to find money, but ultimately I could not. The delays in payments led to the situation becoming known externally."
He added, "I did engage in illegal overseas gambling and used illegal loan sharks. I will surrender to the police and accept punishment. Even if I have to serve time, I will find a way to repay my debts," he reiterated, expressing his apologies.
Following Cheolgu's statements, online reactions included comments such as, "This is a shocking confession," "This is the end of the borrowing cycle," "Deciding to surrender is not an easy choice," and "Illegal gambling and loan sharking must be held accountable." However, it should be noted that these claims are based on Cheolgu's own statements during his broadcast, and the specifics regarding overseas gambling and illegal loan usage will be confirmed through future police investigations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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