The Seoul Southern District Court imposed a fine of 3 million won on MC Mong for his failure to respond to the court's summons as a witness in the ongoing trial involving professional golfer Ahn Sung Hyun, the husband of Sung Yuri. On February 28 KST it was reported that MC Mong was served with a witness summons three times between December of last year and February of this year but did not appear in court.

The court emphasized the importance of interrogating witnesses, especially as conflicting statements from other witnesses emerged. It warned that if MC Mong fails to appear on the next scheduled date, a warrant for his arrest will be issued.

The trial involves four defendants, including Ahn Sung Hyun, Lee Sang Jun (former CEO of Bithumb Holdings), Kang Jong Hyun (suspected owner of Bithumb), and Mr. Song (a relative of the coin issuer), in connection with alleged 'coin listing kickback' fraud.

Previously, Ahn Sung Hyun was investigated for allegedly receiving kickbacks through his relationship with Kang Jong Hyun, the suspected owner of the virtual asset exchange Bithumb. MC Mong was designated as a key witness to shed light on the exchange of 5 billion won between Ahn Sung Hyun and Kang Jong Hyun.

While Ahn Sung Hyun and former Bithumb Holdings CEO Lee Sang Jun denied the indictment, Kang Jong Hyun admitted to all charges and claimed to have provided an additional 2 billion won in kickbacks. It was revealed that Ahn Sung Hyun had agreed to acquire a 5% stake in an entertainment agency where MC Mong was an executive director in exchange for investment from Kang Jong Hyun. However, the actual investment was canceled after MC Mong was caught trying to take USD 70,000 out of the country in April of that year.

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 12 at 2 PM KST.