Lee Seung Gi Personally Responds To HOOK Entertainment’s Claims — Makes Stunning Declaration
Lee Seung Gi personally wrote to fans in an Instagram post, in which he revealed he would donate all of the money he receives in the settlement from HOOK Entertainment.
On December 16, the singer/actor uploaded an Instagram post in which he responded to a previous statement by HOOK Entertainment.
In his letter, Lee Seung Gi writes that although he has received ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) from HOOK Entertainment, the amount he was to receive was one-sidedly decided by the agency and that even now he wasn’t given a full accounting.
This morning I woke up to a text stating that around ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) was deposited into my account. HOOK Entertainment must have thought that I took legal action to simply recover the money that they hadn’t paid. I’ve never even received a common payment invoice for my music… Again, they are one-sidedly claiming this is the money they owe and are trying to close the case.
— Lee Seung Gi
Lee Seung Gi then makes a startling revelation. In his letter, Lee Seung Gi announces that he would be donating the amount he receives from the settlement after taking out legal fees.
I will donate the settlement in full, no matter how large it is. First, I will donate the ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) after taking out legal fees. This isn’t something that I’ve just come up with. The moment I decided to fight HOOK Entertainment, I decided to use the money I receive to help those who are in need.
— Lee Seung Gi
You can read Lee Seung Gi’s full letter below.
It has been a while. Hello, this is Lee Seung Gi.
To be honest, I haven’t been well these days. I’ve been furious from betrayal only to then feel defeated by disappointment. I would spend one day in contempt and the next angry at myself.
This morning I woke up to a text stating that around ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) was deposited into my account. HOOK Entertainment must have thought that I took legal action to simply recover the money that they hadn’t paid. I’ve never even received a common payment invoice for my music… Again, they are one-sidedly claiming this is the money they owe and are trying to close the case.
Until now, I didn’t even know that my money generated any revenue. I’ve had to endure 18 years of being called a ‘Minus Singer.’ The money isn’t the reason why I filed the lawsuit. It’s because someone’s sweat and hard work shouldn’t be used to fulfill the greed of another. I felt filing the lawsuit was my greatest mission.
Now I’ve received ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD). Of course, I don’t know how they came up with that number. However, because I don’t understand HOOK’s method of accounting, I believe we will continue to argue in court. It will be a long and tiring fight, and I’d like to apologize to those watching this play out.
But what I can promise you is that I will donate the settlement in full, no matter how large it is. First, I will donate the ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) after taking out legal fees. This isn’t something that I’ve just come up with. The moment I decided to fight HOOK Entertainment, I decided to use the money I receive to help those who are in need.
Until now, I’ve never even known about the revenue generated from my music. Of course, the ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) I received today is meaningful, as it symbolizes the sweat from my teens, 20s, and 30s, but if I can spend this money to help those in need, the happiness I’d feel would exceed ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD).
Starting next week, I will plan on how I will donate the money by meeting with those involved in charities. There are people who are so uncomfortable that they aren’t able to walk. There are also many people who have to give up their dreams due to their circumstances. There are also those who are facing life-threatening circumstances but aren’t able to get proper treatment. Although ₩5.00 billion KRW (about $3.79 million USD) might not be enough to help all of them, I’ll start by taking this small step.
Also, most importantly, there have been so many people who supported me throughout this incident. I was able to gain strength due to you being angry with me and also consoling me. Thank you for reminding me that I am loved. I will repay you by returning that love back to society.
I hope you have a warm holiday season, and as always, I will continue to diligently walk my path.
— Lee Seung Gi
