Seungri Denies Rumors of Participation in Controversial Indonesian Event

Seungri, a former member of the K-pop group BIGBANG, has denied reports that he will attend an event named "Burning Sun" in Indonesia, amid ongoing controversy.

In an interview with Ilgan Sports on the 11th, Seungri responded to claims that he would appear at the "Burning Sun Surabaya" event in Indonesia. He stated, "This is not true," firmly denying any involvement with the event.

Earlier, on the 9th (local time), the U.S.-based K-pop entertainment news site All K-Pop reported that Seungri was scheduled to attend the "Burning Sun Surabaya" event as a special guest. The event, organized by TSV Management, is set to take place at the Gentlemen's Club in Surabaya, Indonesia, on August 31st. A promotional poster featuring Seungri was circulated on social media, sparking widespread criticism due to his previous involvement in the "Burning Sun Gate" scandal.

Following the backlash, Seungri clarified his stance, saying, "I have no connection to this event. I don't know anything about the region mentioned in the article, nor do I have any plans to attend an event on August 31st. The use of the name 'Burning Sun' is excessive, and the whole situation is ridiculous."

Seungri further emphasized that he is currently staying abroad and prefers to keep a low profile. "I want to stay quiet, but I feel the need to correct these false reports. If this isn't addressed, people might start believing it," he said, adding that he is considering legal action through a local law firm for defamation and unauthorized use of his image.

Regarding a separate incident in January, where Seungri allegedly mentioned plans to bring fellow BIGBANG member G-Dragon to an event in Cambodia, he admitted, "I was caught up in the moment and mentioned all the members' names unintentionally. It was inappropriate, and it won't happen again."

Seungri also dismissed reports that he plans to open a new club in Hong Kong. "It doesn't make sense that I would be involved with a club again, especially considering the previous scandal. I suspect my name is being used for attention overseas," he explained.

Seungri left BIGBANG and retired from the entertainment industry in 2019 after being identified as the real owner of the Gangnam nightclub Burning Sun. He was later sentenced to one and a half years in prison on multiple charges, including prostitution mediation, sexual violence, embezzlement, habitual gambling, and violating the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act.