Korean beauty brand JMsolution denied having business ties to ex-BigBang member Seungri, who was implicated in the massive Burning Sun scandal in 2019.
This was after the brand faced a consumer boycott, with critics urging major retailers such as Daiso and Olive Young to stop carrying its products.
Allegations of the brand’s ties to the former K-pop idol reportedly resurfaced on 20 Sept, AsiaOne reported.
Social media users revived 2019 reports claiming that Seungri was a co-representative of JM Town, a company linked to JMsolution CEO Kim Jung-woong.
After being implicated in the Burning Sun scandal, Seungri allegedly handed over his position to his friend, Yoo In-suk.
Source: South China Morning Post
Additionally, netizens highlighted that a JM Town event was held at Burning Sun, the Gangnam nightclub central to the scandal. Seungri was also an executive director at the nightclub.
Critics questioned the appropriateness of JMsolutions, a brand whose customers are largely women, being associated with Seungri, who was convicted of sexual crimes.
On 21 Sept, JMsolution posted on Instagram denying business ties to Seungri, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun.
It said it previously received a business proposal from Seungri’s side and established JM Town Co., Ltd.
However, after the Burning Sun case emerged, the business was withdrawn before it even started.
“The company was subsequently dissolved and liquidated in 2019 without engaging in any actual business operations or generating any revenue,” the statement read.
It highlighted that Seungri has never invested in or held a stake in JMsolution. As such, it shot down social media claims that Seungri owns JMsolution, or that its products are made using funds from Burning Sun.
JMsolution said it takes “repeated dissemination of false information” and “any attempts to distort the limited facts” seriously. It added that it has secured evidence of circulating posts and intends to take necessary legal action.
The company also apologised to its customers and stakeholders for causing concern.
The Burning Sun scandal came to light in 2019 following an assault at the nightclub.
Investigations later uncovered the club’s involvement in drug distribution, sex crimes, tax evasion and police corruption.
Source: Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily
After being implicated in the scandal, Seungri announced his departure from BigBang, as well as his retirement from the K-pop industry.
In 2021, he was convicted of multiple offences linked to the scandal. These include sexual exploitation, drug‑facilitated assault, and illegal filming and distribution of sexual content.
He served 18 months in prison and was released in February 2023.
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Featured image adapted from Yonhap via The Herald Business, @jmsolution.official on Instagram.