Singer and songwriter Yoo Jae-hwan has ultimately been sent to the prosecution on fraud charges, bringing the controversy back to the surface. There are already over 20 victims, with the total damage amounting to around 50 million won, and Yoo Jae-hwan has recently shut down his social media accounts. Consequently, there is much interest in how his future explanations or statements will be made.
According to a report by Money Today on the 8th, the Seo Daemun Police Station in Seoul sent Yoo Jae-hwan to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office without detention on fraud charges last March.
Yoo Jae-hwan is accused of receiving 1.3 million won, claiming it was for expenses aside from labor costs, after telling victim A that he would compose music for free in March 2022. A subsequently filed a complaint shortly after, but it is reported that despite multiple attempts to contact Yoo Jae-hwan, the amount has never been reimbursed.
The allegations of fraud related to Yoo Jae-hwan's songwriting emerged last April through an online community exposure.
The whistleblower expressed rage, stating, "I commissioned a song for 1.3 million won, but for two years I've only received excuses while they even borrowed money for food." Following that, similar victims claimed to have lost contact as Yoo Jae-hwan delayed the work due to excuses such as panic disorder and moving.
Even more shocking was the allegation of 'recycling funds.' Some victims claimed that Yoo Jae-hwan delivered the same songs he had already released to other clients, leading to a collapse of trust in the entire songwriting project.
In the face of such criticism, Yoo Jae-hwan noted at the time, "Even if I die and come back, I will pay it back," while bowing his head, but later abruptly closed his social media accounts and cut off contact, leading to fierce criticism that it was just an empty apology.
In fact, in August of last year, 23 victims collectively filed a lawsuit against Yoo Jae-hwan, asserting that "he had no intention or ability to compose from the beginning." The total amount claimed reached 55 million won. However, at the time, the police decided there was insufficient evidence, concluding there were "no charges." Nevertheless, this case has been seen as separate and has now been passed to the prosecution.
Yoo Jae-hwan gained popularity in the past for his witty remarks and musical talent on various entertainment programs including MBC's 'Infinite Challenge.' However, following this incident, he has effectively cut off communication with the public. His social media accounts have disappeared, and he has not issued any official statements, drawing attention to how he will address the situation moving forward.
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