Byun Woo-seok, Gong Seung-yeon, and Yoo Seung-ho’s Agency Issues Warning Over Impersonation Scam: So Ji-sub Added to The List

Baro Entertainment, home to stars like Byun Woo-seok and Gong Seung-yeon, and also Yoo Seung-ho’s agency, 333, have issued a strong public warning about ongoing scams involving impersonation of its staff.

The Modus Operandi: Wine Scams and No-Shows

On May 8, the agency stated, “We would like to alert the public that there have been recent cases of scams involving people pretending to be our staff in order to obtain financial gain.”

According to the official statement, scammers have been impersonating Baro Entertainment managers and contacting small business owners or vendors. Under the pretense of planning company dinners or gatherings involving their celebrities, the fraudsters request advance payment or preparation of luxury products, most commonly wine. After arrangements are made, the scammers cut off all communication and never show up, causing financial losses to the victims.

Baro Entertainment emphasized that “our employees and representatives will never ask for money transfers or product purchases under any circumstances.” They urged individuals to verify any suspicious requests and added, “Any such request should be considered illegal. We ask for your utmost caution to prevent further damage.”

Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Baro Entertainment also vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for these scams, stating they would do their utmost to protect their artists and the public.

So Ji-sub Falls Victim to “No-Show” Scam

On May 21, So Ji-sub’s agency, 51k announced via its official social media: “Recently, there have been fraudulent attempts by individuals impersonating our managers to gain financial benefit.”

The agency elaborated, “The impersonators have been making group reservations under the pretense of company dinners for our actors or requesting expensive alcoholic beverages, only to cut off contact and never show up. This is a common ‘no-show’ scam tactic.”

They clarified, “We do not use our actors’ names to make restaurant reservations externally, nor do we ever request the purchase or delivery of goods, including alcohol.”

Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, 51k stated they will take strong legal action against anyone impersonating their staff or engaging in fraudulent activity.

A Wider Industry Problem

Baro Entertainment isn’t the only agency dealing with such cases. On May 6, PocketDol Studio, the agency of trot singer Song Ga-in, also reported a similar impersonation case. Fraudsters posed as Song Ga-in’s manager and contacted vendors, asking them to prepare wine in advance under the promise of payment at a later company event.

The agency responded, “Our employees never request money or goods under any circumstances.” Song Ga-in personally addressed the issue on social media, warning fans and business owners, “Please be cautious to prevent falling victim to fraud.”

Actor Yoo Seung-ho was also targeted. On April 11, his agency, 333, issued a warning that his only official social media account is on Instagram. The agency noted a rise in fake accounts pretending to be either the actor or his management team and urged fans to be vigilant.

As impersonation scams continue to plague the Korean entertainment industry, agencies are stepping up with firm statements and legal warnings. Whether you’re a fan or a business owner, the message is clear: double-check any requests for money or goods, and when in doubt, verify through official channels.