Voice actress and broadcaster Seo Yu-ri and director Choi Byung-gil are engaging in another round of revelations related to financial issues following their divorce.
Recently, Choi Byung-gil disclosed the shareholder roster of Rona Universe on his personal account, stating, "You've posted something since then. Yes, this is the latest shareholder register I have. For those who may not know, a shareholder register is something that each company creates in its own format and reports to the tax office."
The disclosed shareholder roster shows that Choi Byung-gil and Seo Yu-ri each hold 50% equity. Choi Byung-gil mentioned, "Did the deputy representative say you had no equity? That person talks nonsense when they are upset. I have repeatedly stated how sick I was of it," adding, "And I have never bought a personal beverage using the corporate card from a company full of losses."
Choi Byung-gil continued, "And you keep bringing up equity, but suppose you didn't have any equity. In that case, what damage would you incur? Anyway, I was supposed to return all the money you invested, right?" He asked, "I regard the losses from the company's bankruptcy as my own, while you protected your personal APT. and accused your husband of being a fraud, thus preserving your image. What exactly have you lost?"
Choi Byung-gil stated, "Was it a debt that was supposed to be repaid last December? You abandoned someone in debt after the joint business failed and immediately demanded money while portraying me as a fraud, ruining my opportunity to earn. Moreover, according to the agreement with my lawyer, the longer it takes, the more interest I will incur. You do not have the right to constantly threaten me through KakaoTalk as if it's worse than loan sharks."
He added, "Reflect on who worsened the situation in both business and marriage. I didn't want to speak so accusatorily, but the one ruining their own fate is clearly you."
Earlier, Choi Byung-gil posted on the 1st regarding his debt conflict with Seo Yu-ri, saying, "The debt I owe to Seo Yu-ri was not for personal use but was incurred from our joint business of Rona Universe, in which Yu-ri and I each own 50% equity. Of course, I invested a lot of my personal money, and due to the deterioration of the business management, I have reached a state of bankruptcy."
He said, "Although the equity was split equally, I alone bore the full liability of the business debt, resulting in the forced sale of my house in Yeouido for a pittance and my house in Yongsan being put up for auction. In any case, I am trying to take responsibility and fulfill the debt I promised to repay to Seo Yu-ri," adding, "I want to clarify that I did not personally misuse Seo Yu-ri's money to create this situation."
Seo Yu-ri and Choi Byung-gil became a couple after registering their marriage in 2019, but announced their divorce in March 2024, each going their separate ways. However, during this process, their debt conflict became apparent, with Seo Yu-ri having taken on debts amounting to 2 billion won after the divorce, revealing that she has repaid about 1.3 billion won to date.
In response, Choi Byung-gil explained that the reason for the debt was due to the Rona Universe business established jointly with Seo Yu-ri and posted a lengthy statement. Seo Yu-ri rebutted, saying, "Did you forget the work during Rona Universe? I had no equity. Deputy representative Choi X-ho clearly stated that I had no equity. There are recordings of it. Moreover, I have never purchased a single item for personal use with the Rona Universe corporate card, not even a 10-won item."
He expressed anger, saying, "Business liability? Was it really all just business liability? Your remaining student loans from studying in America, the loans for the house in Yeouido you took out from a second financial institution, the purchase cost of the Ferrari, wasn't it? Why do you blame everything on Rona Universe? Just showing one transfer statement would reveal all your lies, so please stop. The weather is already hot; I'm getting more upset. If you haven't repaid the debt that was supposed to be settled last December, shouldn't you refrain from making accusations?"
Choi Byung-gil revealed, "Shall we talk about specific amounts? I sold my house in Yeouido for a pittance, and there was barely 5,000 left (without paying the transfer tax). That person made such a strong demand that unless I handed over all of that money, they wouldn't leave the house, extracting that 5,000, which was not even part of the original debt."
Choi Byung-gil then stated, "As a result, I had to incur the real estate expenses on credit, have yet to pay the transfer tax, and at that time, had no moving deposit, so I had to live in a storeroom at Samsung's office. However, they appeared on various broadcasts, pretended to be a victim, and portrayed me as a fraud."
Choi Byung-gil explained his stance, saying, "So why have I been silent all this time? Ultimately, I am currently in a position as a freelancer where I have to accept the market's choice, whether I like it or not. There are no producers who want to hire a director with a scandal in the already difficult drama market. Therefore, I was extremely reluctant to let my personal life be exposed to the media while working on projects in the meantime. Additionally, I faced drops from projects that were being considered due to my already tarnished image."
He stated, "In such a situation, I was waiting quietly for opportunities rather than making more noise. However, seeing that someone reacted so strongly to a trivial post yesterday made me feel like I can no longer hold back. In fact, I am currently in a very sensitive period as important projects are in the casting stage. But at this time, if they throw cold water on me again, I worry that I might lose my last chance, which is why I felt compelled to speak out."
After Choi Byung-gil's statement was released, Seo Yu-ri posted on her personal social media, revealing the amounts she sent to Choi Byung-gil during their marriage, asking, "Did you even contribute a penny for management costs? Was the money I sent not money? Was it insufficient?" She added, "That was simply money sent to Choi Mo-ssi's account. The equipment costs, soundproof booth expenses, etc., I purchased for Rona Universe were taken from my personal card. I didn't even calculate expenses such as loan interest."
Seo Yu-ri remarked, "Oh... an expensive gift? You mean that fake bag? How embarrassing. Who gives a fake gift as a wedding present?" She continued, "I get it, so please hurry and repay the amount agreed upon in the settlement. Don't you see that enormous amount I transferred to you?"
[Photo] OSEN DB
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