Fraudulent acts in the Kpop market are not new and fans have been facing this situation for years. But what is more dangerous is that there are employees of idol management companies who are directly involved in this incident.

Recently, a former employee of Big Hit Music caused a stir in the fan community when a famous entertainment company committed fraud in investing in BTS souvenir products. This person's fraudulent acts were brought to court and sentenced on the 20th.

Here is the whole incident as well as fans' reactions to the news:

I bet there are many fans who have been unlucky enough to encounter scammers selling BTS tickets or merchandise. Meanwhile, the кσяєαn media has also reported that there are people who take advantage of BTS's reputation to commit business fraud or fraudulently sell goods to fans.

These scams have always existed in the industry and even originated from BTS employees themselves. Recently, the case of a former Big Hit Music employee defrauding hundreds of millions of won from victims to trade in goods related to Kpop superstars has surprised fans.

Specifically, on the 20th, the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 12 (Chief Justice Park Jae-seong) sentenced Mr. A (40 years old), who was prosecuted for fraud (Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes), to two years in prison with a three-year probation and 120 hours of community service. Mr. A is reported to have held the position of department head at the famous entertainment company 'Big Hit Music'.

According to ρσℓι¢є investigations, Mr. A is accused of embezzling a total of 576 million KRW (about 430,000 USD). This person committed instances by deceiving victims into believing they were investing in BTS merchandise. Mr. A repeatedly told the victims that: “Before BTS members enlist in the military, they will engage in solo activities, and we are seeking investment for merchandise to distribute to fans. If you lend us money, we will return the principal with profit.”

However, when the defendant received the victim's investment money, he used it to pay off his debt. The court ruled: “The defendant used their title as a team leader at a renowned entertainment company to fraudulently obtain a significant sum under the pretense of investment. However, given that the defendant reimbursed the victims over 600 million KRW, exceeding the principal amount, a suspended sentence has been granted.”

What is surprising here is that he used BTS's reputation and his position at Big Hit Music to commit fraud. ARMYs feel crazy about this person's behavior but also feel lucky that the victims received their money: 

- Must have ℓσѕт their darn mind to think they would get away with this. I’m glad they paid people back but still think they deserve some jail time. Crazy.

- Nice that the victims got their money back from him. Usually that isn't the case

- Deserved jail time

- Well, he was fearless, now what: loss of job, jail sentence, debt

- With his criminal record, I believe it will be difficult for him to find work in the Kpop industry.

- Oh what a huge amount of money, greed is bottomless

- He needs to pay the price for abusing his position and BTS's reputation.