On April 29, 2025, singer and actor Lee Seung-gi announced he would sever ties with his wife's family following renewed legal troubles involving his father-in-law, Jang In-hwan, who faces charges of stock manipulation. In a heartfelt statement released through his agency, Big Planet Made Entertainment, Lee expressed his deep regret and shame over the situation, which has left him feeling disillusioned and distressed.
Lee Seung-gi, who married actress Lee Da-in in April 2023 and welcomed their daughter in February of the same year, stated, "I am sorry for the illegal activities of my wife's stepfather, and I cannot hide my shameful feelings regarding his unethical behavior." This announcement comes after Jang In-hwan was indicted again for similar offenses, raising serious concerns about the integrity of his family.
In his statement, Lee reflected on his previous comments regarding the legal issues surrounding his father-in-law. He admitted to not thoroughly reviewing the matters last year and expressed regret for his hasty remarks. "I deeply reflect on my careless statements and believe that appropriate punishment should be given for illegal activities. I sincerely apologize to those who have been hurt by my immature judgment," he said.
Lee's decision to cut ties with his wife's family stems from the significant damage to family trust caused by the recent developments. He stated, "This incident has severely undermined the trust among family members, and after much contemplation, my wife and I have decided to sever ties with her family." He emphasized his commitment to pursuing a more upright value system and living responsibly for a healthy society.
The legal troubles surrounding Jang In-hwan date back several years. He, along with others, was accused of manipulating stock prices and illicitly profiting from a KOSDAQ-listed company between November 2014 and February 2016, amassing approximately 23.7 billion won in illegal gains. The original trial sentenced Jang to four years in prison and imposed a fine of 2.5 billion won, but the case was complicated by an appeal that led to an acquittal in a second trial.
In June of the previous year, the Supreme Court overturned the acquittal, sending the case back to the Seoul High Court, stating that some disclosures made during the trial could potentially harm investors. This legal back-and-forth has not only affected Jang but has also cast a shadow over Lee Seung-gi's public image, leading to scrutiny and criticism.
Lee Seung-gi's marriage to Lee Da-in has been fraught with challenges, particularly due to the ongoing legal issues involving her family. Despite the controversies, he had initially defended his in-laws, claiming media reports were misrepresentations. However, the renewed charges against Jang have forced Lee to reconsider his stance, leading to his public declaration of severing ties.
In his statement, he expressed, "I have come to realize that I need to be more cautious about my family's matters and how they are perceived by the public. My comments last year may have caused misunderstandings, and I regret not handling the situation with more care." Lee's admission highlights the pressures faced by public figures who navigate personal relationships under the watchful eye of the media.
Lee Seung-gi's decision to distance himself from his in-laws marks a significant turning point in his personal life, as he aims to focus on his career and family. He concluded his statement by apologizing for the distress and disappointment caused by these personal matters, saying, "I sincerely apologize for the concerns and disappointments I have caused due to my personal circumstances."
As Lee Seung-gi moves forward, he aims to uphold a more responsible and ethical approach to his public and private life, pledging to live by values that contribute positively to society. The unfolding legal drama surrounding his family continues to be a topic of public interest, raising questions about the impact of personal choices on professional reputations in the entertainment industry.
