K-pop music producer Shinsadong Tiger has spoken out against rumors alleging he has been brokering prostitution deals between female celebrities and male clients.
“I have never been investigated regarding the recently circulating rumors and have never even been contacted by prosecutors or police,” said Shinsadong Tiger, whose real name is Lee Ho-yang, in a post on Instagram on Sunday.
Shinsandong Tiger is known for writing hits like T-ara’s “Bo Peep Bo Peep” and APink’s “NoNoNo.” He is also the head of the label AB Entertainment, the agency of girl group EXID.
Shinsadong Tiger (Instagram)
The rumors concerning Shinsadong Tiger were sparked by a list that has been circulating on social media for the past month, naming 10 female celebrities, including K-pop singers and actresses, as being involved in prostitution. Many on the list, including Yubin of girl group Wonder Girls, have angrily protested the rumors and declared plans for legal action.
In the Instagram post, Shinsadong Tiger said that rumors regarding his role as a broker had previously circulated in 2013, but he had stayed quiet then thinking they would “be forgotten soon.”
“I have endured (the rumors) on my own ... wondering whether anything would become different if I requested an official investigation ... and thinking that even people who had not previously known would come to hear (the rumors) if I made them known to the press,” Shin wrote on the post. “But I am writing (this post) now because I do not want be the target of any more misunderstanding.”
The music producer added that his family and acquaintances have been affected by the rumors, imploring the public to "please stop."
By Rumy Doo (
doo@heraldcorp.com)