Former BIGBANG Seungri Spotted at Nightclub with Bodyguards, Sparks Outrage in China

On March 19, Chinese media outlets, including Sohu.com, reported that Seungri was spotted at a nightclub in Hangzhou. This appearance was said to be on March 18, and Seungri was said to have entered the event venue escorted by bodyguards. He kept his head down and remained silent throughout, but a large crowd of fans gathered, screaming and watching him.

However, Seungri’s return to activities may not be smooth, as according to Chinese media, “To engage in cultural and artistic activities legally, registration with the Ministry of Culture is required. It remains unclear whether Seungri’s event was officially registered, and this will only be determined after the Ministry of Culture completes its investigation.”

According to reports from Chinese outlets such as Sohu, the news of Seungri’s presence quickly spread online, triggering widespread condemnation. The media described his visit as “a blatant provocation to China’s moral standards” and expressed outrage over his attempt to re-enter the entertainment scene despite his tainted past.

One report stated, “Seungri was convicted of serious crimes in South Korea, yet he now roams freely, receiving VIP treatment at clubs. His presence in China is an insult to public morality.” The media further criticized Chinese fans who continue to support him, calling their blind loyalty “a worrying reflection of social values.”

The reaction from Chinese netizens has been overwhelmingly negative. Social media platforms were flooded with comments such as:

• Why is China allowing a foreign criminal to enter?
• We should ban convicted criminals from stepping foot in our country.
• He even brought bodyguards? The audacity!

Seungri’s post-prison lifestyle has already drawn heavy criticism, with previous sightings in Cambodia and Malaysia fueling public outrage. His latest appearance in China only adds to the growing concern that he is seeking to rebuild his image and financial standing by exploiting foreign markets.

Meanwhile, Seungri was once a successful member of BIGBANG, but in 2019, he was accused of being the key figure in the “Burning Sun” scandal, leading to his departure from the group and retirement from the entertainment industry.

He was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for nine charges, including prostitution, prostitution mediation, violation of the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, habitual gambling, violation of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, violation of the Food Sanitation Act, business embezzlement, violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes and instigating special assault. Seungri served his sentence at Yeoju Prison and was released in February 2023.

However, after his release, he was seen frequenting clubs, enjoying parties and holding meetings with foreign investors. More recently, reports surfaced claiming that he was spotted dining with women at a Seoul restaurant specializing in bone hangover soup, sparking further public backlash.