As soon as he received the grand prize, controversy erupted…Lee Sang Min directly fact-checked the 'Roo'ra settlement' controversy and explained himself
Broadcaster Lee Sang Min, after expressing his gratitude for winning the SBS Entertainment Awards grand prize, became entangled in an unexpected controversy and issued a direct explanation.
On the 1st, Lee Sang Min posted on his social media, "Thank you very much. 2025 will be a year I will never forget for the rest of my life," and uploaded a screenshot of broadcasts of the SBS variety shows My Little Old Boy and Dollsing Fourman. He said, "Thanks to you, I received the gift of my first-ever grand prize," and added, "In 2026, the year of Byeong-o, I will repay you with lively, healthy joy. I will do my best each day to live a better life," expressing his feelings.
He went on to express affection for viewers, saying, "I will fight. Thank you. And I love you," and ended the post with the blessing, "Happy New Year and may 2026 be a big success for you."
Earlier, on the 30th of last month at the awards ceremony held at SBS Prism Tower in Sangam, Mapo District, Seoul, Lee Sang Min drew attention by winning the grand prize over strong contenders including Yu Jae-seok, Jun Hyun-moo, Tak Jae-Hoon, Shin Dong-yeob, Seo Jang-hoon and Jee Seokjin.
However, the joy of the award was short-lived as a past "settlement controversy" related to his group activities resurfaced. The trigger was a remark by broadcaster Shin Jung-hwan. On the 2nd, Shin Jung-hwan appeared on the YouTube content "B-grade hearing" and recounted the behind-the-scenes story of forming "Country Kko Kko," mentioning past settlement issues.
Recalling the time, Shin Jung-hwan said, "Although Roo'ra did well, I never properly received settlements. I received 1.2 million won every five years," and as Lee Sang Min's name was mentioned as a producer, the controversy intensified. Some reports made it appear as if Lee Sang Min had led the settlements, creating misunderstandings.
In response, on the 4th Lee Sang Min uploaded a screenshot of related articles to his social media and directly explained himself with the hashtags #correction #factcheck. He said, "No, I was also a singer under the agency; how would I be the one to settle payments for someone?" and emphasized, "All members received settlements equally." He continued, "I am not the Roo'ra boss. I also received the same settlements and was a passionate member who worked twice as hard," and added, "Reporters, please fact-check." He made clear that he was only a signed singer, not a producer or decision-maker.
After the life-changing moment of winning the grand prize, Lee Sang Min drew a line with an immediate explanation to address the noise that erupted. While protesting his innocence, he calmly corrected the facts and once again showed a responsible attitude.
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