Talented singer Tae Jin Ah, who is known for trot but highly respected even in K-Pop, has found himself in a bit of a rut as a reporter from Sisa Journal USA released a controversial article and then held an interview with a media outlet on March 20 regarding this!
The reporter first published on March 17 a story about Tae Jin Ah spending a ton of money playing baccarat at an 'H' casino in Los Angeles
The journalist stated in the following interview, "I saw him buy a $3,000 chip at once [at a VIP room]. One round is over in two to three minutes. He's betting $1,000, $2,000 each. One person. And until daybreak for about four hours."
He also revealed that he was threatened by Tae Jin Ah regarding this, saying, "Ten people, including the report bureau chief and media vice-chairman, threatened me, saying it would not be good for the report to go out.
I can release all the pictures [I took on site]. Because this person lies so much. The second part [of this story] will go out next week," revealing there was an additional report.
While this may not appear to be a big deal, gambling is in large part illegal in Korea with a very negative view by many regarding the activity (think Boom and Andy's "reflection period" from broadcasts after their own scandal). Despite this occurrence in America, gambling--and with such large amounts--could have a negative impact on a social level back in Korea.
Tae Jin Ah's side responded to the story, saying the rumors of his expensive gambling were untrue, rather he went on vacation to celebrate his birthday and visited a casino with $1,000. As he was lucky, he won himself more money and went to eat dinner with his family.
Tae Jin Ah claimed that he had been the one blackmailed when he was contacted by the journalist back in Korea. The singer claimed that the journalist threatened to publish the articles if he were not paid off. "I think this report came out because we did not comply. We are preparing legal action regarding this false report," he said.
He appeared on MBN's 'News & Issue' on March 20 to further explain in person, "They say I entered a VIP room and gambled, but the place I went to was neither a secret room nor a VIP room. It was a public room. It was a place for everybody to go.
I thought to myself I would have the happiest vacation I've ever had during all my time as a singer. The six of us, including my wife, older son, younger son, daughter-in-law, and even grandson, went on vacation together. The happiest vacation has now become a hellish moment."
Despite his sweet, grandfatherly exterior and an explanation that is clearly attempting to target the sentimental heart, it has also come to attention that this is not the first major controversy he has been in, raising speculations about a long reputation filled with corruption. Should someone with such a shady past be so affectionately nicknamed the Godfather of K-Pop? But more importantly, should he really be appointed as the chairman of the Korean Music Association?
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