South Korean Celebrities Caught in Crypto Scam Controversy
A number of South Korean celebrities, including popular YouTubers, a former World Cup player, a race car driver, and a well-known comedian, have become entangled in a rapidly unfolding crypto scam controversy. The center of the controversy is Winnerz, a blockchain-powered sports project in South Korea that issued its own cryptocurrency called Winnerz (WNZ) coin.
Celebrities Implicated in the Scandal
The list of stars implicated in this media frenzy includes soccer player Lee Chun-soo, who was part of the South Korean team that reached the semi-finals in the 2002 World Cup; comedian Na Sun-uk from Comedy Royale and YouTube Channel Byulnomduel; comedian-turned-race car driver Han Min-kwan; YouTubers Kim Won-hoon and Cho Jin-se from the Sandbox channel; YouTuber Oking; and model and social media star Park Min-jung.
Although most of these celebrities deny any involvement with Winnerz, stating they may have met company officials but have no connection to the firm.
Allegations of Fake Coins and Investor Complaints
Anonymous investors have come forward with claims that Winnerz issued counterfeit coins and that they can no longer access their funds. These investors filed an official complaint with the police on February 5, which sparked an online search for celebrities connected to the company.
Firm Denies Wrongdoing, YouTuber Confesses Investment
Winnerz has denied all allegations made against it. The company states that fake coins bearing its name and logo have nothing to do with them. However, YouTuber Oking admitted in a video response to online sleuths that he had invested in Winnerz but has since withdrawn his investment and cut all ties with the company.
Winnerz, on its website, refuted many of Oking’s statements, claiming that they had never disclosed his investment at his own request. The company also emphasized its transparency and listed its presence on overseas crypto exchanges.
Accusations of a Multi-Level Scam and Negative Impact on YouTuber
The anonymous posters who made the initial claims accused Winnerz of operating a multi-level scam involving prominent South Korean celebrities. As a result, Oking’s YouTube channel has lost 120,000 subscribers since February 5.
Oking confessed to receiving payments from Winnerz for hosting a live event but denied allegations of receiving a $75,000 payment from the company. He admitted to lying out of fear.
Soccer Star Denies Involvement with Scam Coin
Soccer star Lee Chun-soo, who had talks with GDG coin officials in the past, also denied any involvement with GDG or Winnerz. Lee complained that his photos were used without his permission by GDG to promote their project. He clarified that he never agreed to work with the firm and criticized the unauthorized use of his images.
Regulators have recently hinted at investigating K-pop star PSY’s NFT concert ticket sales. This comes as authorities keep a close eye on the crypto industry in South Korea.
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