This is the allegation of complainant A. 

When : October 29, 2021

Where : A room salon in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul

What : Kim Seungwoo theft of cash

How :  Secretly took 22 million won from a bag.

This is Kim Seungwoo's rebuttal. Two days later, he returned it, according to him. 

When : October 31, 2021

What : (Joking money) 30 million won

How : Sent (the money) back through bank transfer.

Actor Kim Seungwoo has been accused of theft. The incident dates back to a drinking gathering five years ago. Person A claims 22 million won in cash was stolen. Kim Seungwoo countered that it was a joke. His position is that he returned it immediately.

Kim Seungwoo's side denied the theft altogether. His legal representative stated, "There were multiple people present at the time, including the actor, director, and employees," adding, "If he had intended to steal money, why would he do it in front of everyone?"

Dispatch obtained certified mail from both sides, answers to complaints, KakaoTalk messages, and letters. We also heard Kim Seungwoo's side's additional statement. We confirmed bank transfer records. There is a record of money being transferred. However, the explanation regarding the purpose of the money differed.

Kim Seungwoo's side revealed that 30 million won was transferred on October 31, 2021. According to their explanation, this was the amount sent after adding the 22 million won taken as a joke two days earlier (October 29, 2021) to unpaid bar charges, among other things.

Person A's side countered that it was different money. Person A invested 300 million won in a film produced by Kim Seungwoo on July 21, 2021. "The 30 million won was not repayment of theft damages, but rather receiving a 10% down payment on the investment," they said.

Kim Seungwoo's side countered that there was no down payment agreement. His legal representative explained, "The money Person A invested was given as a favor. There was no separate agreement," adding, "We received a request to return the investment on November 1st, and we returned the full 300 million won that day."

The relationship between the two continued afterward. This time, Person A borrowed money from Kim Seungwoo. On July 14, 2023, Kim Seungwoo transferred 25 million won to a company account designated by Person A. Person A repaid the amount on October 5 of the same year.

Kim Seungwoo's legal representative questioned, "If Person A had not received the 22 million won back at the time, wouldn't he have been able to raise the issue during the process of borrowing and repaying money?"

Kim Seungwoo revealed that after Person A was incarcerated, he also provided living expenses to his family. He said he wanted to help with their difficult circumstances. From February 2025 to February 2026, he transferred 2 million won each time over 13 occasions, totaling 26 million won.

Person A's side told Dispatch in August, "It is true that Kim Seungwoo sent money to the family. Person A invested 300 million in Kim Seungwoo's film, which fell through. It was part of his remorse over that. He wanted to maintain a smooth relationship."

April 2026. Something from five years ago resurfaced. Through his brother, Person A demanded repayment from Kim Seungwoo. Kim Seungwoo responded, "It is A's false memory. It was a joke and I returned it the next day. Everyone around us knows about it."

Person A rebutted with a letter written from prison. "Stealing 22 million won was a joke? We never even met the next day, yet he lies saying he returned it the very next day," and "It's truly absurd that he calls it a false memory," A wrote.

Kim Seungwoo told Person A's brother, "If that issue hadn't been resolved, think logically about whether our relationship with A would have continued," adding, "I think I would worry about A the most besides his family."

Person A claimed there had been similar incidents in the past. He said Kim Seungwoo took money from his wallet and was caught, and apologized on his knees. Person A complained, "Is he saying it was a joke when he wasn't even taking money from my wallet for the first time after being caught?"

Kim Seungwoo's side took the position that this also made no sense. His legal representative stated, "He has never stolen money in the past, nor has he apologized on his knees," emphasizing, "It's something that couldn't happen, and there's no reason for it."

Kim Seungwoo also left a message for Person A to convey through his brother. "The money issue you're talking about will be revealed by the bank transaction records anyway, so I don't think we need to discuss it. I did my best and showed sincerity for over a year even in difficult circumstances," he said.

Meanwhile, Kim Seungwoo's side underwent police investigation in September. They submitted materials including bank transfer records and signaled legal action.