‘The Great Gatsby of K-pop’ retires to fight sex scandal

THE normally wholesome world of K-pop has been rocked by a sex scandal after one of its biggest boyband stars was charged on suspicion of supplying prostitutes to foreign investors in night clubs.

Lee Seung-hyun, 29, referred to by his nickname Seungri – and who was once described as the “Great Gatsby of Korea” for his lavish lifestyle – announced his retirement from the entertainment industry yesterday to fight the charges and protect his management agency and band, Big Bang.

“As this social scandal is too big, I decided on my retirement. As for the ongoing probe, I will take the investigation seriously to clear all the allegations,” he said on his Instagram profile.

“I give my heartfelt, sincere thanks to fans at home and abroad who gave their love for the past 10 years,” he continued.

For over a decade, the five members of Big Bang have been considered K-pop royalty. They have been credited as one of the most influential acts to shape the East Asian country’s music industry and spread popular Korean culture around the world. Since their 2006 debut, they have sold more than 140million records.

According to local reports, Seungri’s troubles began last month when allegations surfaced that he had tried to obtain prostitutes to entice foreign investors.

The sex-for-business allegedly took place at several night clubs in the

‘As this social scandal is too big, I have decided on my retirement. I will take the investigation seriously’

upmarket Gangnam district of the South Korean capital, Seoul.

Prostitution is illegal in South Korea and Seungri has denied all of the accusations and charges against him.

However, he has also cancelled planned concerts in February and March in order to clear his name.

Members of K-pop bands are usually groomed to perfection and are often known for their squeaky-clean image and adherence to strict rules that even restrict dating and relationships.