YG Entertainment's general producer, Yang Hyun Suk, is back in the spotlight as he faces charges of illegally importing a luxury watch worth over 700 million KRW into South Korea.

During his second trial on January 10th, Yang denied the accusations once again, with his defense team claiming that receiving such gifts is common in the entertainment industry.

The 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court, led by Judge Bae Seong Jung, held the trial to address Yang's violation of the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act (Customs Act).

When asked about the details of when and where he received the watch, Yang’s lawyer stated, "I don't remember clearly, so I can’t specify." The lawyer also stressed that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

Yang's defense team went on to argue that there was no solid evidence to prove that Yang wore the watch when passing through the airport, adding that the watch was given to him in Singapore, with no connection to the claim it was worn there.

They maintained that YG Entertainment staff were involved and confirmed that there should be no issue with bringing the watch into South Korea.

However, the prosecution insists that Yang requested the luxury watch from Mr. A, the Asia representative of the Swiss brand "R".

Text messages presented by the prosecution show that Yang reached out to Mr. A in August 2014, asking for the watch to be prepared ahead of his trip to Singapore, which he took from September 12-16, 2014.

Yang’s lawyer defended the practice, saying, "It’s common in the entertainment industry for recipients to receive gifts without formal documentation." They also argued that, in sponsorship cases, such actions should not be viewed as a violation of the Customs Act.

Yang’s defense team further disputed the prosecution’s claim that the watch’s value exceeded 200 million KRW, stating that the standards for pricing were unclear.

The luxury watch in question is a rare skull-patterned model from "R", worth an eye-watering 711.51 million KRW, with its cost price at 20.81 million KRW. Another black model, received at a hotel, is valued at 116.55 million KRW. Both models were discontinued a decade ago and are no longer available for sale.

Under the Customs Act, all goods imported into South Korea must be declared, and failure to do so can result in a fine or imprisonment. If the goods are valued between 200 million KRW and 500 million KRW, aggravated penalties apply.

Yang is accused of bringing these two luxury watches, worth a total of 828.06 million KRW, into South Korea without declaring them at Incheon International Airport in September 2014. The Busan District Prosecutor's Office indicted him last September, and his next trial is set for April 18.

Will Yang Hyun Suk be found guilty, or is this just another misunderstanding? Netizens are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this legal drama!

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]