Actress Park Min Young faces boycott over alleged financial ties to Bithumb’s owner

South Korean actress Park Min Young. Photo from Park’s Instagram

Inquirer Magazine has reported a growing number of viewers are advocating for a boycott of the film, which is currently being aired.

“I am boycotting her drama,” read a comment under a post about the film on South Korean online community theqoo.

“This is why I do not watch her drama,” another netizen expressed a similar stance. “I won’t be watching any of her dramas in the future either.”

A recent report released on Monday by South Korean newspaper Dispatch uncovered that Kang had secured a loan of 250 million won (US$187,000) and then transferred this sum to Park, allegedly for her living expenses.

In retaliation to these allegations, Park’s management company Hook Entertainment released a statement on the same day. The statement clarified that the loan was taken out by Kang through an account in Park’s name, and Park did not use this money for personal living costs.

Furthermore, the agency emphasized that Park was not engaged in any illegal activities nor received any unlawful benefits.

Park also allegedly addressed the accusations on her Instagram, stating she is “sick of it all,” and shared her belief in the power of honesty.

This controversy comes after her previous denial in Sep. 2022, through her agency, of receiving financial benefits from Kang. This denial coincided with their separation, which occurred just two days after her relationship with Kang became public knowledge.

Kang was arrested in early 2023 on charges of alleged embezzlement and market manipulation, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Following his arrest, investigators questioned Park about her possible involvement in Kang’s alleged illegal activities. The Korea Herald reported that the investigation aimed to determine if Park had profited from any illegal dealings within the company or its affiliates.

Park has reportedly denied all allegations of her involvement.

Park, 38, debuted in the entertainment industry as a model in 2005 with a commercial for SK Telecom, a prominent South Korean telecommunications company.

She began her acting career in 2006 and rose to fame rapidly. Among her most notable works are the TV series “High Kick!,” “Sungkyunkwan Scandal,” and “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.”

During the press conference for “Marry My Husband,” Park spoke publicly for the first time about her relationship with Kang, describing it as giving her an “extremely tiring year.”