Rapper Dok2 declared a public relationship with singer Lee Hi and has been walking a rosy path, and amid this, past controversy over unpaid precious metal payments has resurfaced.
Earlier, Dok2 and Lee Hi released their first single You & Me on the 28th of last month along with news of the establishment of the hip-hop·R&B–based joint label "808 HI RECORDINGS (Eight O Eight Hi Recordings)". In addition, that day their dating rumors were raised, making the two the center of attention.
The two first connected through the 2016 MBC "Infinite Challenge" hip-hop project, and they reportedly began officially dating in late 2022 and are currently staying together in the United States.
The two danced shoulder-to-shoulder affectionately on a live broadcast and showed off couple necklaces, and through social media they displayed deep affection for each other. When Lee Hi posted "I celebrate my person (MY MAN) Dok2's birthday," Dok2 also referred to Lee Hi as "MY LADY" and released a couple photo with his arm around her waist, effectively confirming a public relationship. Fellow rapper Sleepy even left a congratulatory comment saying "Let's get married," showing the hip-hop scene's enthusiastic support.
But before the afterglow of the "lovestagram" had fully faded, controversy surrounding Dok2 was raised again. According to a report by The Munhwa Ilbo on the 3rd, law firm Okims, the legal representative for the jewelry company, said in a statement that Dok2 has not fulfilled his debt related to the precious metal payment for three years.
Okims pointed out, "Dok2 agreed to repay the debt in three installments according to the court's enforced adjustment decision, but so far he has paid only once and the remaining debt remains unfulfilled."
The case began in 2019 when jewelry shop owner A sued Dok2's former agency, claiming that "Dok2 purchased approximately $200,000 worth of precious metals and then did not pay part of the price." In 2022 the court largely upheld A's claim and ordered payment of the unpaid amount and delayed damages.
According to reports, Dok2 later repaid part of the amount, but about $30,000 (approximately 45 million won) in debt, including unpaid amounts and delayed damages, still remains outstanding.
In particular, the legal representative criticized Dok2 for delaying debt repayment citing financial circumstances while steadfastly remaining abroad, and added that they are considering additional strong legal measures such as forced execution and provisional seizure.
In this regard, Dok2's side has not released any particular position. Just as he stood at the center of attention with the new label establishment and his proud public relationship, attention is focused on what steps Dok2 will take amid the renewed controversy over "unpaid debt."
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]