Actor Im Seong-eon has effectively suspended her activities amid embezzlement allegations against her husband, Lee Chang-seop, chairman of Seokjeong Urban Development, and her recent whereabouts have been revealed, drawing mixed reactions from netizens.
On the 11th, the YouTube channel "Two jobs Choi Jung-yoon" posted footage of a gathering of actors who appeared in the drama "Cheongdam-dong Scandal." The event included Choi Jung-yoon, Kang Seong-min, Ban Hyo-jeong, Im Ha-ryong, Kim Sa-hee, and Im Seong-eon appeared as well.
When a camera approached Im Seong-eon on screen and cautiously asked whether it was okay to film her, she calmly replied, "Ah, yes, well." Then Kang Seong-min, who was beside her, softened the mood by saying, "Did Seong-eon do something wrong? Why?" Im Seong-eon also drew laughs by raising both arms and shrugging her shoulders.
Earlier, in June Im Seong-eon faced embarrassment when allegations surfaced that her husband was involved in the breach of trust and embezzlement of real estate funds in the 10 billion won range. Her husband, Chairman Lee, came under investigation for allegedly misappropriating association funds in the Osong rental housing project and handing cash to the association head. During this process, allegations even surfaced that he was a "three-time convict of real estate fraud," amplifying the fallout. However, he told the media, "I have never stolen or committed shameless acts," expressing his innocence.
As a result of the fallout, Im Seong-eon stopped activities after the play "Pink Lipstick" and is proceeding with the termination of her contract with her agency. A broadcasting official told OSEN, "Her activities are likely difficult because of her husband's issues."
Reactions among netizens to the recent reveal of her whereabouts are mixed. Some urged caution, saying, "No matter how much it's her husband's issue, she should stay quiet for now," and "It hasn't even been four months since her husband's controversy broke; there could be actual victims. She needs to be careful." Others offered support, saying, "Im Seong-eon shouldn't be punished by association because of her husband's problem," "The actor herself did nothing wrong, so there's no need for her to shrink back," and "Then it's awkward to tell them not to film at that moment."
Im Seong-eon debuted in 2002 in the drama "Always Throbbing" and has steadily worked in various productions such as "White Tower," "Yeonggaesomun," "Cheongdam-dong Scandal," and "Spring Night." However, because of her husband's case, it seems unlikely she will be able to pursue new projects for the time being.
[Photo] OSEN DB, YouTube
[OSEN]