Father of K-pop idol attempts to justify overseas travel amid 290 billion KRW fraud case

🛑 Fraud Charges Meet Travel Ban

A man accused of a massive 290 billion KRW (approx. $210 million USD) investment fraud tried to use his K-pop idol son as a reason to lift his travel ban—but the court wasn't having it. The Seoul Administrative Court rejected Mr. A's appeal to revoke the restriction on April 24.

👥 Who is Mr. A?

Mr. A is reportedly a pastor and CEO of a data company. Authorities say he lured investors between September 2022 and early 2024 by promising high returns through an online platform. He now faces charges under the Act on the Regulation of Conducting Fund-Raising Business Without Permission and the Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Economic Crimes.

🚫 Travel Ban Timeline

The Ministry of Justice first issued the travel ban in April 2024 at the request of the police. It was extended again this March after the case was handed over to the prosecution. Mr. A then filed a lawsuit demanding the ban be lifted.

🎤 "My Son's an Idol…" Argument Falls Flat

In court, Mr. A argued that he had no intention to flee since his younger son is a K-pop idol. He also claimed international business trips were essential. However, the court ruled that he posed a flight risk due to his frequent past international travel and that his son's celebrity status had no bearing on the matter.

📉 Court's Verdict

The judge stated that Mr. A's business obligations could be fulfilled by others and that there was no concrete evidence proving he'd suffered major harm due to the travel restrictions.