MANILA, Philippines — K-Pop superstar Seungri of Korean group Big Bang announced that he will retire from the entertainment industry.
His announcement came amid police investigations over his alleged offering of prostitutes to foreign investors for his business, which happened in 2015.
In his Instagram account, Seungri said he decided to retire from the industry because of the controversy.
“At this moment, it seems like it would be good for me to retire from the entertainment industry. I've decided to retire from the entertainment industry because of the huge social controversy that has arisen. I am under investigation, and I will receive investigation with sincerity so that the building suspicions can be revealed,” Seungri wrote in Korean, translated by Allkpop.com.
He added that he “cannot accept causing pain to those around me just for my sake."
"During the past month and a half, I have received criticism and hate from the public and been in a situation where every investigative agency in this country is investigating me,” he said.
"I would like to sincerely thank all of the fans both in and out of Korea who have shown me love for the past ten years. For the sake and honor of Big Bang and YG, [my career is] ending here. I would like to apologize one more time," he added.
Apart from allegedly giving prostitutes to foreign investors, Seungri was also tagged in the investigation on Burning Sun for alleged drug and sexual abuse.
Meanwhile, Seungri’s agency, YG Entertainment, released a statement saying that it has no comments as of press time. The agency added: “It has still yet to be decided whether or not his contract will be terminated.”
“We will let you know once the situation is figured out," YG stressed in its statement.