Seungri sparks controversy in China after nightclub appearance with 10 bodyguards

Former BIGBANG member Seungri, who was convicted for his involvement in the infamous Burning Sun scandal, continues to live a luxurious lifestyle, drawing criticism from the public.

Seungri was at the center of the 2018 Burning Sun scandal, which led to his expulsion from BIGBANG and the entertainment industry. In 2022, the Supreme Court of South Korea sentenced him to 1 year and 6 months in prison on nine charges, including habitual gambling, prostitution mediation, foreign exchange violations, and embezzlement. He was released from Yeoju Prison in February 2023, but since then, he has been repeatedly spotted partying in Southeast Asian nightclubs, including in Cambodia and Malaysia, sparking public outrage.

Now, Seungri has once again stirred controversy, this time in China.

According to Sohu.com and other Chinese media outlets, Seungri was seen at a nightclub in Hangzhou on March 18 KST, accompanied by 10 bodyguards. Reports indicate that his appearance quickly became a hot topic on Chinese social media.

“Despite being convicted of multiple crimes, including prostitution and gambling, Seungri entered a Hangzhou nightclub with a heavy security presence. His arrival caused a stir, with many watching as he passed through the crowd with his head down,” local reports stated.

Chinese media strongly condemned Seungri’s public activities, labeling him a “persona non grata.”

“Seungri’s actions are a blatant challenge to the moral standards of the Chinese public. His crimes in Korea severely damaged the entertainment industry and the emotions of the public. His attempt to return to the Chinese market and seek financial gains is a direct provocation against Chinese law and ethics,” one report criticized.

Further reports also criticized blind fan loyalty, stating, “Despite his notorious reputation, some Chinese fans continue to support him. This blind admiration raises concerns about the moral values of Chinese society and could have a negative impact on public ethics. We must not tolerate or support the comeback of corrupt artists who seek to profit from their past misdeeds.”

As photos and videos of Seungri at the nightclub circulated online, Chinese netizens expressed their anger, with comments such as:

• “Why is someone like him allowed to enter China?”

• “Foreign criminals should be banned from entering the country.”

• “He even brought bodyguards? Unbelievable.”

Seungri’s latest appearance in China has only fueled further criticism, reinforcing his tarnished reputation both domestically and internationally.