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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Pilates Influencer Yang Jung-won Grilled by Police Amid Fraud and Bribery Allegations

From Hankyoreh · (5m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Influencer Yang Jung-won is under investigation for alleged fraud and violations of the Franchise Business Act related to her Pilates business.
  • Accusations include luring franchisees with false information and pocketing fees for renovations and equipment.
  • Her husband is also being investigated for allegedly attempting to bribe police to drop the case, with a police officer already facing scrutiny.

Pilates instructor and influencer Yang Jung-won has been summoned by police as a suspect in a fraud investigation, a case that has taken a dramatic turn with allegations of bribery aimed at quashing the inquiry. Yang, known for her public profile, appeared at the Gangnam Police Station to address accusations that she misled numerous franchisees of a Pilates business, ultimately defrauding them of funds intended for renovations and equipment. She maintains her innocence, stating through her legal team that she was merely a model for the company and had no involvement in its operational or franchise business dealings.

I will faithfully participate in today's investigation. I will definitely reveal the unfair parts. I hope the truth is revealed well.

— Yang Jung-wonResponding to reporters' questions upon arriving at the police station regarding allegations of her husband's involvement in quashing the investigation.

The controversy deepened with allegations that Yang's husband, identified as a wealthy individual, attempted to influence the investigation. Reports suggest he offered entertainment and money to a police detective, Song, who was initially handling one of the complaints against Yang. This alleged attempt to 'smooth over' the investigation, which had previously resulted in a 'no-charge' decision for Yang, has led to a separate probe into police corruption. Detective Song has since been removed from his post and is facing investigation for bribery and disclosure of official secrets, though his request for detention was denied by the court.

I am currently caught in a dispute between the Pilates franchise company and its franchisees. I only had a modeling contract with the company and was not involved in the franchise business operations at all.

— Yang Jung-wonStated in a legal representative's statement regarding her involvement in the Pilates business.

Yang's husband, however, has been arrested on grounds of evidence destruction. The situation highlights a complex web of alleged financial misconduct and potential corruption within the legal process. While Yang insists on her innocence and her husband's actions remain under scrutiny, the case raises serious questions about the integrity of franchise operations and the impartiality of law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, with further interrogations and potential confrontations planned, including a face-to-face questioning between Yang and the representative of the Pilates franchise company.

I do not know exactly what specific activities my husband engaged in regarding the police investigation of the dispute.

— Yang Jung-wonClarifying her lack of knowledge about her husband's alleged actions to influence the police investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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