A former YG idol sparked controversies after becoming the ambassador for a Youth Anti-Drug campaign
On November 28 of last month, the inaugural ceremony for the Korean Youth Drug Prevention Alliance, a Youth Anti-Drug campaign, took place in Seoul, Korea.
As domestic drug crimes among the current generation hit a record high, over 100 citizen groups and institutions joined hands at the inaugural ceremony, and former Sechs Kies member Kang Sung-hoon appeared at the event.
As the ambassador for this Youth Anti-Drug campaign, Kang Sung-hoon stated, “These days, the youth drug problem has become a serious social issue, and I think many people must have been disappointed by the drug issue of celebrities.”
“Even now, I think that many young celebrities will be tempted by drugs from the emptiness and frustration they feel when they lose everything at the top”, the singer also said, adding, “I also share the painful memories of my friends who experienced this,” he said, adding, “If you encounter curiosity for a moment, you become addicted, and your body and soul are completely destroyed, and your life is ruined. I hope that my story of recovery and healing will bring new hope.”
Finally, the former YG idol urged, “Let’s work together so that Korea can regain its status as a drug-free country. Just as K-pop leads the world, let’s make Korea the world standard for a drug-free country.”
However, the appointment of Kang Sung-hoon as ambassador for a Youth Anti-Drug campaign has sparked controversy.
It is worth noting that Kang Sung-hoon was sentenced to 1 year and 6 in prison with 2 years of probation in 2013 on charges of borrowing money from acquaintances and not repaying them (fraud). From 2009 to early 2010, he was accused of borrowing a significant amount totaling 1 billion won (approx 765,000 USD) from three individuals and not repaying it.
In 2018, fans accused the former YG idol of fraud and embezzlement. About 70 Sechs Kies fans filed a complaint against Kang Sung-hoon and the actual operator of his personal fan club, at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office. According to them, Kang Sung-hoon held a video conference commemorating his 20th anniversary and raised money for tickets and donations, but was accused of stealing 100 million won (approx 76,500 USD).
However, about 2 years after this event, Kang Sung-hoo appeared on a radio program and said that he was dismissed without any court summons nor request for attendance, and has never been investigated on this charge. Efforts are still being made to catch the actual fraudster, he also added.
Source: Insight
