Singer Seong Si-kyung has faced an unusually high number of setbacks this year, prompting both worry and support from fans. From YouTube impersonation scams to controversy over an unregistered one-person agency, and even the betrayal by a manager of 10 years, he showed determination, saying, "I will take responsibility and endure to the end."
#. May: "Meogeultende" impersonation scam
This year's first setback dates back to May. Seong Si-kyung's agency SK Jaewon Co., Ltd. posted a warning on its official social media saying "beware of scams." At the time, scammers pretending to film Seong Si-kyung's Meogeultende season 2 called restaurants, induced alcohol purchases and demanded money. The agency said, "Our team does not request money," and urged people not to respond to anyone except manager Hyeonsu's contact to prevent possible harm. Fans also expressed anger, saying, "Do not exploit good content."
#. September: unregistered one-person agency controversy
Four months later, Seong Si-kyung was embroiled in another controversy. It was revealed that his one-person agency SK Jaewon had operated for 14 years without registering as a popular culture and arts planning business. The agency apologized immediately, calling it an oversight for not recognizing the change in law, and Seong Si-kyung himself posted a lengthy message explaining that the registration omission was unrelated to tax evasion or tax avoidance.
He bowed again, saying, "I will take this opportunity to examine myself more strictly," and "I will promptly correct the related procedures and act with more responsibility." Afterward, fans offered both encouragement, saying, "You admitted the mistake, so I hope you get back up," and criticism, saying, "Management was lax for 14 years." Despite a sincere apology, critics say public disappointment still remains.
#. November: another shock from manager's betrayal
As he was preparing to resume active activities, Seong Si-kyung faced his most painful incident in November. It was confirmed that a former manager who had worked with him for more than 10 years had used company funds inappropriately. The agency said, "There was behavior that betrayed trust in the course of carrying out duties," and officially announced that it is currently investigating the exact scope of the damage.
Seong Si-kyung confessed his feelings directly on social media. "I was betrayed by someone I trusted and cherished. I have acted as if I was fine while continuing YouTube and performances, but my body and mind have been greatly hurt," he said, adding, "I want to be in a state where I can say 'I'm okay' mentally." He said, "I will decide this week whether to hold the year-end concert," and "This too will pass, and I will do my best to get through it well."
Amid consecutive setbacks, a red light has turned on for his activities. Even so, fans still support his return. Comments fill social media, saying, "He is someone who works on music more diligently than anyone; this is so heartbreaking," "It will be a hard time, but I hope he returns to the stage as Seong Si-kyung," and "I believe he is sincere and will wait."
Seong Si-kyung has continued to hint at uploading YouTube content such as Meogeultende, Bureultende and Recipe, keeping the spark of a comeback alive. But with legal controversy, a collapse of trust and psychological shock layered on, whether a year-end concert will be held remains uncertain. Nonetheless, fans believe in his sincerity and will to return, quietly applauding and supporting him.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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