Actress Lim Sung-eun has effectively halted her entertainment activities amid allegations of real estate embezzlement and misappropriation involving her husband, Lee Chang-seop, chairman of Seokjeong City Development, and has entered into a separation process with her former agency.
On the 30th, an exclusive report from OSEN revealed that Lim Sung-eun recently agreed to conclude her relationship with her agency following the performance of the play 'Pink Lipstick.' In this regard, industry insiders noted to OSEN, 'Although some contract period remains, it is understood that under the current circumstances, additional activities are virtually impossible.'
This decision appears to be closely related to the controversy surrounding Lim Sung-eun's husband, Lee Chang-seop. It is reported that he was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the prosecution on charges of misappropriating approximately 10 billion won in dues during the promotion of a local housing association project in the Osong area in 2021.
In particular, on the 30th, a media outlet reported the suspicion that Lee Chang-seop gave 100 million won in cash to the chairman of the Osong area housing association, along with claims that Seokjeong City Development had already been in a capital impairment state, yet diverted funds from other regional projects to cover up its financial issues. Prior to this, there were also claims that Lee Chang-seop had a history of real estate fraud exceeding 20 billion won, further amplifying the situation. These overlapping controversies have led to a growing public criticism.
In this regard, Lee Chang-seop has denied the criminal allegations in an interview with a domestic media outlet. He stated that claims of a history of fraud were the assertions of opponents with whom he had business conflicts, and he was caught up in lawsuits and complaints. He denied any illegal activities and even announced plans to take legal action for defamation. However, Lee Chang-seop's side has not provided a separate statement regarding the newly raised embezzlement charges of 10 billion won related to the Osong housing association as of the 30th.
Lim Sung-eun became a couple when they held their wedding on the 17th of last month at a hotel in Gangnam, Seoul. Given that the wedding was not long ago, Lim Sung-eun has also found herself at the center of public criticism. Recent comments on his social media regarding Lim Sung-eun's hotel wedding criticized, 'The wedding expense is also victim's money.' Conversely, there was also a sympathetic sentiment expressed that 'If it is true, Lim Sung-eun is also a victim.'
In connection to this, Lim Sung-eun's former agency stated to OSEN, 'We are identifying the facts through direct contact with the parties involved as this is a private matter. The agency prepared the wedding without prior knowledge of A's (Lee Chang-seop's) issues. We will communicate our official position soon.' However, it appears they are concluding their exclusive contract with Lim Sung-eun without any additional official statement.
Moreover, Lim Sung-eun's activities in the entertainment industry have effectively come to a standstill. While she met audiences through the recently concluded play 'Pink Lipstick' on the 11th, she has not made any arrangements for her next project. Industry insiders told OSEN, 'We haven't heard of any additional activity plans or project news following the play,' adding, 'It seems the controversy surrounding her husband has been a burden.'
Lim Sung-eun debuted as an actress in 2002 with the KBS 2TV drama 'Always Throbbing.' She gained attention as the 'dimple goddess' when she appeared on the KBS 2TV variety show 'Mountain Lodge Meeting - The War of Roses' that same year. She continued her career, appearing in dramas such as 'Strike,' 'Yeon Gae So Mun,' 'White Tower,' 'Cheongdam-dong Scandal,' 'Orange Marmalade,' and 'Spring Night,' as well as in the film 'Whispering Corridors 2.' However, her marriage to Lee Chang-seop has put a halt to her activities in the entertainment industry.
[Photo] OSEN DB, sourced from SNS.
[OSEN]