Does South Korea have a gambling problem? Comedian’s debts spotlight social menace

The confession by South Korean comedian Lee Jin-ho over his gambling debts has prompted calls by anti-vice activists for stronger measures to protect vulnerable groups from the growing social menace.

Lee, a member of the popular TV show Knowing Bros, recently ended his public appearances due to his debt problem.

The 38-year-old posted on Instagram earlier this month about how he “started playing on an online illegal gambling site in 2020 by chance and ended up with a debt that was unpayable”.

Lee, who did not mention how much he owed, was investigated by the Seoul Gangnam police precinct for charges of compulsive gambling and fraud on Tuesday.

Media reports said he borrowed nearly 2.3 billion won (US$1.7 million) to cover his losses, even seeking help from fellow celebrities like K-pop idol Jimin of BTS.

Gambling is mostly prohibited for South Koreans apart from bets made at certain government-approved facilities including a horse racing park in Seoul and the single legal casino for citizens in Gangwon province. The country has 16 other casinos, which are restricted to foreigners.