Broadcaster and former pilates instructor Yang Jeong-won appeared at the police over allegations of fraud in a pilates franchise membership business.
Yang Jeong-won appeared at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station at about 12:30 p.m. on the 29th. Arriving with her lawyer, Yang said, "I will cooperate sincerely with the investigation," and "I hope the unfair parts are revealed and the truth comes out clearly."
However, Yang did not answer questions about "whether she was involved in operating the pilates company," "whether she had conversations with her husband related to the investigation," and other matters.
This case arose after franchisees of the pilates studio for which Yang had served as an advertising model filed complaints in 2024 accusing fraud and other charges. The franchisees claimed that the headquarters and Yang promised to dispatch instructors and supply equipment but did not fulfill these promises, and they also alleged that equipment was supplied at prices higher than market rates.
Yang maintains that she only acted as an advertising model and did not know the specific business details, and the police plan to focus their investigation on whether Yang was aware of the franchisee damages in advance and whether she was actually involved in management. A confrontation investigation with the franchise headquarters representative and others is also planned.
As Yang appeared at the police as a suspect, suspicions have been reexamined that there was a cover-up in the process by which the Gangnam Police Station investigation division 1 had dismissed the case as no grounds for charges.
The allegation is that Yang's husband, known to be wealthy, Mr. A, provided entertainment to Inspector B, who was the Head of Team of Gangnam Station's investigation division 1, and had the investigation quashed. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office is currently investigating and believes Mr. A contacted Inspector B privately and handed over money and goods; it has applied charges of bribery offering to Mr. A and bribery acceptance and breach of official duty in revealing secrets to Inspector B.
Meanwhile, Yang Jeong-won drew attention on variety shows such as MBC's My Little Television.
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