Actor Kim Seung-woo has been accused of stealing 22 million won in cash from an acquaintance at a drinking gathering five years ago — an allegation the veteran actor firmly denies.
TV Report, citing a report by Sunday Newspaper, said an acquaintance identified only as A filed a theft complaint against Kim at the Gangnam Police Station in July. A claims that in October 2021, while he briefly stepped away from a drinking gathering at an entertainment bar in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Kim secretly took 22 million won in cash from his wallet, and that Kim never returned the money despite repeated requests.
A was an investor in “The Driver,” a drama directed by Kim, and was present at the gathering with the production staff and cast, according to the report. A is currently serving a prison sentence in an unrelated case, and police questioned him at the prison in August.
Kim’s legal representative rejected the allegation, saying the money was playfully hidden in front of several people at the gathering and then returned. “We repaid more than that amount,” the representative said, according to the report. Kim’s side said the two men stayed friendly after the incident and that Kim provided living expenses to A’s family after A was imprisoned, arguing the complaint stems from a factual error or a lapse in memory.
The two sides also disagree over whether the money was returned. Kim’s side pointed to bank transfer records as proof of repayment, while A countered that those transfers were investment returns and agreed profits from past investments, and personal transactions between the two men, unrelated to this case. The report said the two sides had exchanged certified letters before the complaint was filed.
The Gangnam Police Station confirmed it is investigating the case but declined to share details of the investigation. No final determination has been made, and no charges have been confirmed.
The news broke just three days after Kim joined TV Chosun’s health information program “Our Neighborhood Health King” as its main MC, with the first episode airing on November 9. Kim married actress Kim Nam-joo in 2005, and the couple have a son and a daughter. Kim has been active as an actor for decades and recently expanded into directing and television hosting.
The investigation continues, and it remains to be seen how the case will affect Kim’s television work.
