Internet Broadcaster Cheol-gu Returns to Streaming Following Gambling and Debt Controversies

Internet broadcaster Cheol-gu (real name Lee Ye-jun) resumed broadcasting on SOOP (formerly AfreecaTV) on the 23rd, approximately three months after revealing his involvement in overseas gambling and the use of illegal private loans. During the broadcast, Cheol-gu apologized to viewers and stated his intention to repay his debts, repeatedly expressing gratitude for Star Balloon donations received during the stream. Regarding his debt issues with fellow broadcaster K, he stated that the matter is being coordinated at a police station, though K claimed in a broadcast two days ago that the money has not been received and no settlement has been reached. Reactions to the return broadcast have been mixed among viewers and netizens, ranging from welcome to criticism.

Return broadcast begins with apology; receives approximately 70,000 Star Balloons

On the 23rd, Cheol-gu conducted a broadcast on SOOP to communicate with viewers after a long absence. According to reports, Cheol-gu appeared on screen smiling brightly despite appearing somewhat awkward, also revealing that he had gained weight compared to the past. After saying, "I am sorry," he expressed regret to his fans and noted that he must repay his debts. He further requested that viewers do not send him donations, stating, "You don't have to send [Star Balloons]. You don't have to send them to a person like me."

As Star Balloon donations continued during the broadcast, Cheol-gu stood up and bowed politely, saying, "Thank you so much. You don't have to send them." According to Pung Today, a site that tracks internet broadcasting earnings, Cheol-gu received approximately 71,000 Star Balloons that day, totaling about 7.1 million won in donations. Despite telling viewers they did not need to donate, Cheol-gu expressed his gratitude.

Reactions to the return broadcast were divided. While some netizens welcomed his return, others criticized the timing, arguing it was too early to resume broadcasting before the debts to creditors had been fully repaid. The debate centered on the return itself and the resolution of the debt, given Cheol-gu's apology and intent to repay, contrasted with the creditor's public mention of unpaid debts and communication issues.

Claims debt with K is being coordinated at the police station

During the broadcast, Cheol-gu stated that settlements with female internet broadcasters have been completed and that he must repay his remaining debts. Regarding the debt with K, he explained that there are differing views between the two parties and that the matter is being coordinated at a police station, with no answer yet. He noted that written submissions have been made and expressed his intention to pay once the other party accepts the terms, adding that he would not mention the matter further on stream. He emphasized that he will definitely repay the debt, so people should not worry.

On the 21st, two days before Cheol-gu resumed broadcasting, K stated on her own broadcast that she had not received the money from Cheol-gu and could not reach him. K stated that no agreement has been made and that she has been unable to contact Cheol-gu's lawyer. Reports indicated that K had lent 2.3 billion won to Cheol-gu. Consequently, the situation remains a matter of conflicting explanations between Cheol-gu's claim of coordination and K's claim of non-payment and lack of agreement.

Cheol-gu also mentioned an individual, whose identity remains unknown, who has paid 3.5 billion won in interest over three years. He stated that he has filed a complaint regarding that debt and would not discuss it further on air. Regarding his debt relationships with other fellow streamers, he promised to verify the facts and repay everyone faithfully. Cheol-gu stated his position is to handle debt issues privately rather than continuing to address them on his broadcasts.

Previous disclosures regarding borrowing scale and overseas gambling confession

During a live broadcast in July, Cheol-gu revealed that he had engaged in overseas gambling in the Philippines since the year before last and had used illegal private loans. At that time, he apologized and stated he would go to the police station to turn himself in. These details were based on Cheol-gu's own statements during that broadcast; the actual scale of borrowing and the specific use of funds would require separate verification of the facts.

It was reported that Cheol-gu borrowed 2.3 billion won from K and repaid 500 million to 600 million won of it, and borrowed 2 billion won from Jjapgu, repaying approximately 500 million won. He also mentioned borrowing money from In-ho. These reports stated that the total amount borrowed from fellow broadcasters was approximately 4.3 billion won. These figures were reported based on Cheol-gu's own explanations at the time, and during this return broadcast, Cheol-gu reiterated his stance to repay the debts.

Legal interpretation suggests outcomes may vary based on creditor's awareness

Legal interpretation suggests that if a creditor lends money knowing it will be used for gambling, it may be difficult to claim repayment under the Civil Act as an anti-social legal act or an illegal cause performance. It was explained that if money is lent knowing it will be used to pay off gambling debts, a similar judgment may apply.

However, a lawyer added that such an explanation does not mean the borrowed money does not have to be repaid unconditionally. If the borrower deceived the lender by claiming the funds were for other purposes, such as business capital, or hid the fact that they were for gambling, they may, in principle, still be required to repay, and charges of fraudulent use of funds could be considered. Regarding the high-interest illegal private loans Cheol-gu admitted to using, the judgment could also change depending on whether the creditor was aware of the intended use of the funds. While the possibility of various crimes being applied, such as habitual gambling and violations of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, was mentioned, this is a legal interpretation provided by a lawyer and is not a finalized judgment through investigation or trial.

In his return broadcast, Cheol-gu stated that settlements with female broadcasters are finished and that he will repay the debts owed to individuals like K. He explained that the issue with K is being coordinated at the police station and expressed his intention to handle the remaining debt relationships outside of his broadcasts. Amid the conflicting explanations from the creditor and the raised legal issues, Cheol-gu stated he would faithfully repay the debts.

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