BigBang’s Seungri denies launching business in China

Seungri. Image: Yonhap via The Korea Herald

Seungri, a former member of K-pop boy group BigBang, denied speculation that he is preparing to launch a new business venture in China, addressing rumors that emerged earlier this week in local media reports.

The former singer traveled to China last month, reportedly to explore new business opportunities. The trip sparked speculation that he was pursuing an entertainment or cultural project abroad, especially after he was spotted with entertainment industry associates and former business partners in Seoul in late February — just days before his departure.

During his stay in China, Seungri was also seen attending a nightclub event in Hangzhou, accompanied by 10 bodyguards, further fueling speculation about his possible return to nightlife-related ventures.

However, Seungri denied the claims.

“It’s not true that I’m considering re-entering the entertainment or cultural business,” he said in an interview with another media outlet. “I recently met with a few people I worked with in the past, but it was just a casual meal to catch up.”

“I currently reside in Korea and my recent overseas trips were personal — either attending friends’ weddings or taking a break,” he added. “I have not had any business meetings or made any plans for new ventures abroad.”

Speculation about his return to the nightlife industry first surfaced last year when he was rumored to be planning to open clubs in Hong Kong and Cambodia. At the time, he dismissed the reports, saying, “Why would I go back into the club business after what happened?”

Seungri withdrew from BigBang in 2019 after being identified as a central figure in the so-called “Burning Sun scandal.” He was indicted on nine charges, including habitual gambling, procuring prostitution, violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (illegal filming), violating the Prostitution Punishment Act, and embezzlement. He was sentenced to one year and six months in prison and was released after completing his sentence in February 2023.

He also rejected other claims suggesting he might be planning a comeback in the food and beverage sector or any of the business fields he was involved in prior to his conviction.

“I’m not considering any kind of business venture,” Seungri said. “I’m not engaged in any economic activity at the moment. I’m simply spending time with my family and living quietly.”