He has only fulfilled one of his promised installment payments.
The recent news of his relationship with Lee Hi is overshadowed by concerns regarding his debt situation.
The controversy regarding rapper DOKKI (real name Lee Jun-kyung) and unpaid jewelry debts has resurfaced. Claims have emerged that he has not fulfilled his debt obligations even after a court-mandated adjustment.
According to the Cultural Daily on April 3rd, the law firm Okims, which represented the jewelry company's legal interests, stated that DOKKI had agreed to repay his debts in three installments as per the court's decision, but to date, only one payment has been made. This issue began when DOKKI purchased jewelry worth approximately $206,000 in 2018 and failed to pay part of the amount. In 2022, the court ordered him to split his payments to settle the unpaid amounts and late fees, but since then he has only repaid $11,580, leaving additional debts unpaid.
The jewelry company claims that the remaining unpaid amount and late fees have accumulated to about $32,000 (around 49 million KRW). They have noted that DOKKI has cited financial difficulties for delaying repayments, yet he continues to reside long-term in the United States. The legal representative has expressed that DOKKI's refusal to comply with the court's ruling is concerning, hinting that they may pursue legal action such as forced execution and provisional seizure.
The recent controversy over DOKKI's unpaid jewelry debt intertwines with his attempts to resume his music career, drawing a heavier scrutiny from fans and the public. Concerns have been raised that his actions may overlook the debt issue, potentially jeopardizing the trust and image of the music industry he aspires to return to.
While his new ventures involve acknowledging a relationship with Lee Hi and establishing a new music label, the unresolved debt issue increasingly casts a shadow over his public image. The legal representative’s statement emphasizing that 'legal debt compliance is a minimum requirement' hints at a more serious situation, suggesting he may face significant restrictions in future activities.
Ultimately, resolving the debt issue will be imperative for DOKKI's return to the music scene; otherwise, he risks getting entangled in legal actions. Considering the impact on his career, public concern regarding his future endeavors is expected to rise among fans and the audience alike.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
