SHINHWA Andy to Step Down from “Shinhwa Broadcasting”

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

K-pop group SHINHWA member Andy has decided to step down from the group’s self-titled TV show “Shinhwa Broadcasting” after involved in a charge of illegal gambling.

Andy’s agency TOP Media announced the official position of Andy through its official website on Thursday, “We extend our apology to worry numerous fans who support Andy with a shameful thing.”

“Andy reflects deeply on the investigation result and what he did. He has decided to cease further official activities and take time for self-reflection-and-examination,” TOP Media went on, “We delivered his will to the producing crew of the shows he is appearing in.”

An official with JTBC explained that, “We’ve already taped episodes for two weeks so we can’t avoid Andy to appear on until the December 1 episode. We’re going to edit out Andy’s part as much as we can.”

On Tuesday, the K-pop star’s agency admitted that Andy was examined by the prosecution last month with a charge of illegal gambling by betting big through illegal online gambling website.

Popular TV celebrities Lee Soo-geun, Tak Jae-hoon, Tony An, who is former member of ‘90s top K-pop group H.O.T, and Boom have been reported to have gone through the examination by the prosecution with the same charge.

source: tenasia

Comments

[anthonymarie.livejournal.com]

that sucks :( but i dont really understand what this illegal gambling thing is. someone compared it to being like fantasy football?

[alchemywow.livejournal.com]

Ah, Andy. Poor guy can't catch a break. Minwoo's gonna have to kiss Jin all the time now instead.

It's not even something I consider gambling

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

They were betting on online fantasy football...jeez

Glad I'm in America because I usually participate in an office pool and online American fantasy football leagues every year and do a few March Madness brackets

Re: It's not even something I consider gambling

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

I think it's more about the amount they were betting than what they were gambling on.

[fifi-moon.livejournal.com]

the weirdest things are illegal in korea

*sob*

[patentpending.livejournal.com]

In other news, I wish a consistent subbing team would pick up this show.

[ah-mui.livejournal.com]

sfsubs were pretty consistent though?

[patentpending.livejournal.com]

Not really? Halfway through it started getting to be weeks and then months in between releases. They still haven't subbed the last handful of episodes from last season. I understand they're busy and there's only like, 3 of them so I don't fault them for it, I just wish the show was one that had more daily, consistent subbers.

[ladydess.livejournal.com]

Pop Idols are only humans who want to let off some steam once in a while. Is it just me or are the punishments sometimes harsh? Even the way they worded it he has decided to "take time for self-reflection-and-examination". I mean, idk...some of these crimes don't even seem like crimes or am I missing something...

[ah-mui.livejournal.com]

It's not just pop idols that were investigated though. And sure, it doesn't seem like much to you or me but it's illegal to gamble in Korea, Andy should've known better considering what Hye Sung went through. Also they haven't actually been punished yet. I'm sure he'll bounce back soon enough, SHINHWA members are really supportive.

[tempestdance.livejournal.com]

here we are again exerting western standards of what is right or wrong and saying our poor oppas don't deserve the punishment.

[tothechangmin.livejournal.com]

ikr. i love andy but illegal gambling's a pretty big thing in korea as far as i can tell, and coupled with hyesung's past offence, he definitely knew the risk he was taking when he decided to place the bet.

[ladydess.livejournal.com]

I'm not from the "West" so don't assume and I'm still trying to understand Korean culture and I didn't know all types of gambling were illegal in Korea nor am I too familiar with what happened to HS. Also, do not assume that I believe in this "poor oppa" business, I don't, I was simply speaking from my p-o-v.

[setsuna16.livejournal.com]

It kind of makes sense, if Andy and Tony are still close.

I presume they are.

[tothechangmin.livejournal.com]

sigh i'm kinda disappointed that he didn't learn anything from hyesung.

[6rystalis.livejournal.com]

Well, to be fair, the gambling happened between 2008-2010, so it really just overlapped with the time Hyesung also gambled. Hyesung was simply discovered earlier?

[pseudo-shigure.livejournal.com]

my question is, since it's called "illegal" gambling, is there any legal gambling in Korea?

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

I did some reading a couple of weeks back because idg this whole illegal gambling business.
They have casinos but are mainly for foreigners to increase tourism revenue.
You have to show a foreign id/passport to be allowed i think?
There's only one casino that locals are allowed to enter but it's waaaaaaay hidden in the mountains. They allowed local admission to that certain casino because it's so far away, people can't just drive off there after work and go home the same night when they feel like having a gambling fix.

Casinos were opened to promote tourism but exclusive to foreigners since they believe the society isnt that advanced to handle gambling as a leisurely activity. Because of certain cultural aspects, it's said that koreans are more prone to addiction to gambling (unlike say, americans were they can go to vegas throw some cash over the weekend and leave it at that) and can thus lead to problems in the society like broken families, bankruptcy etc.

Apparently vietnam has the same system.

Those are just based on the few articles i read. Anyone feel free to correct whatever misconception i have.

[pseudo-shigure.livejournal.com]

oic. thanks.
bc in my country all form of gambling are illegal (i think), so this term is kinda confusing.

[jewelry-flower.livejournal.com]

Uhmmmm, I think Vietnam doesn't have casino that big...YET. Moreover, the law system in Vietnam is very complicated, so I think it would be a totally different situation. Just saying.

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

oh thanks for the information.
most of the articles I've read only discussed the Korean gambling portion and just mentioned Vietnam has the same policy of not allowing locals inside casinos, only foreigners. I have no idea.

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

These busts are for online gambling right?

Hmmmm.mremember shin junghwan? He was imprisoned for gambling overseas right?
How does that work? If you're korean, you're not allowed to gamble ever?
Korean government has jurisdiction regarding gambling activities of citizens outside korea?
Im always confused by it.