Rapper Dok2 has failed to repay $49,000 in outstanding jewelry payments for three years, despite a court order, raising questions about his financial responsibility as he prepares for a high-profile comeback with singer Lee Hi.

According to a report by Munhwa Ilbo on April 3, legal representatives from the law firm Okims stated that Dok2 agreed to a court-mandated installment plan in three payments. However, he has only made the first payment, leaving the remaining debt unpaid.

The dispute began in October 2019 when a foreign jewelry business owner, identified as Mr. A, filed a lawsuit against Dok2’s former agency, Illionaire Records. Mr. A claimed that Dok2 purchased seven pieces of jewelry between September and November 2018, totaling approximately $206,000 (around 267 million KRW at the time), but failed to pay $34,740 of the balance.

In July 2022, the court largely sided with Mr. A, ordering Dok2 to pay the unpaid amount along with accrued late fees. The court stipulated that the payment must be made in three installments by January 6 of the following year, warning that any missed payment would trigger immediate repayment of the full balance and additional late fees.

After the ruling, Dok2 only repaid roughly $11,580, leaving about $32,623 (approximately 49.3 million KRW) outstanding. His lawyer criticized Dok2 for delaying repayment under the pretext of financial hardship while continuing long-term residence in the United States, signaling plans to pursue stronger legal measures such as enforced seizure or provisional attachment to secure the debt.

The controversy intensified after news emerged on March 28 that Dok2 and his girlfriend Lee Hi have launched a new label, 8o8Hi Recordings, signaling a return to the music industry. Dok2’s legal team emphasized that fulfilling outstanding debts is a minimum requirement for resuming professional activities and suggested that legal actions could also target the newly established label.

This case continues to draw attention in the Korean entertainment world as fans and industry insiders watch closely to see how Dok2 navigates both his legal obligations and career comeback.

Sources: Netizenbuzz