25.11.04.Today News : Former Soccer Star Lee Chun-soo Accused of 600 Million Won Fraud

Former Soccer Star Lee Chun-soo Accused of 600 Million Won Fraud

📍Alleged Failure to Repay 130 Million Won in Living Expenses and 500 Million Won Investment

Former South Korean national soccer player and broadcaster Lee Chun-soo has been accused of fraud involving billions of won. Police are investigating allegations that Lee borrowed money from an acquaintance and failed to repay both the borrowed amount and investment funds.

Former national soccer player and broadcaster Lee Chun-soo has been sued on charges of fraud involving hundreds of millions of won.

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🔹Case Overview
According to the Jeju Police Agency, Lee Chun-soo was booked on November 4 on charges of fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. The complaint, initially filed with the Seogwipo Police Station last month, was later transferred to the Jeju Police Agency for a full investigation.

🔹Details of the Complaint
The complaint states that in November 2018, Lee asked his acquaintance, identified as “A,” to lend him money for living expenses, promising to repay it by the end of 2023 through earnings from his YouTube channel and soccer academy.
Between 2018 and April 2021, A transferred a total of 132 million won to Lee in nine installments. However, A claims that Lee stopped contacting him in the fall of 2021 and never repaid any of the money.

🔹Additional Allegation – Investment Fraud
A also alleged that Lee persuaded him to invest in a “foreign exchange futures trading platform,” promising to share profits. A said he transferred 500 million won to an account belonging to one of Lee’s acquaintances but never received either the profits or the principal.

🔹Lee Chun-soo’s Response
Lee admitted to receiving money from A but denied any fraudulent intent, claiming, “A was financially well-off at the time and simply gave me the money to use.” He also denied any involvement in the alleged investment deal, calling it “completely false.” Lee reportedly told local media that he intends to clarify the facts as the investigation proceeds.

🔹Public and Family Reactions
Following the report, Lee’s wife, Sim Ha-eun, closed the comment section on her social media account, which she had used to share family updates. Many citizens expressed disappointment, saying, “He was a national hero, but this is disgraceful,” while others demanded “a thorough investigation and accountability.”

🔹Background and Career
Lee Chun-soo rose to fame during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, contributing to South Korea’s historic semi-final run. After retiring in 2015, he became a broadcaster and YouTuber, running a channel with around 780,000 subscribers titled “Richunsoo.” Currently operating a soccer academy in Seogwipo, Jeju, Lee faces growing public scrutiny as police continue their investigation into the fraud allegations.

One-line summary : Former football star Lee Chun-soo is under police investigation for allegedly failing to repay billions of won borrowed and invested by an acquaintance.