INFINITE's Dongwoo revealed how he lost 700 million KRW (520,000 USD) as a victim of fraud.
On October 15, Dongwoo appeared on the third episode of MBC Every1's variety show 'I’m All Grown Up, But Not Leaving,' as the newest "Kangaroo" member ('Kangaroo' is a term for adults who still live with their parents).
From the start, Dongwoo garnered much attention by appearing comfortably, walking the streets, and taking public transportation.
Above all, Dongwoo surprised everyone when he confessed he had been scammed of 700 million KRW by a car dealer, which was briefly mentioned in last week's preview. During the latest episode, he sat down with his mother for a meal, and his mother pointed out how Dongwoo is frugal with small spending but got scammed out on hundreds of millions of KRW.
In the interview, Dongwoo elaborated, "It was when I was 21, 22 around that time... I was so unaware and naive. What I did was I entrusted my seal (personal stamp) to a car dealer who helped me purchase a car." He added, "I didn't know I shouldn't be entrusting (others) with my seal."
In Korea, individuals often use personal seals (stamps) registered with local government offices to sign important documents instead of handwritten signatures. These seals are used for various formal and legal transactions such as opening bank accounts or leasing vehicles.
Dongwoo continued, "Since I handed him my seal... He used it however he wanted. For example, if the car lease costs 1 million KRW (~733 USD) per month, he colluded with his company and charged 1.5 million KRW or 2 million KRW (~1,099 USD to 1,466 USD) and upwards of 3 million KRW (~2,199 USD) per month to make a profit for himself. I didn't know about this and ended up leasing numerous cars from him. The highest lease cost was 16 million KRW (~11,727 USD) per month. Back then I just thought that was the normal amount to be paid and saw money being deducted from my bank account and didn't give it much thought. I was really out of my mind back then. So in total it's 700 million KRW (520,000 USD) I was scammed out of."
When asked if there was anything he could have done, Dongwoo explained that he had consulted with a legal expert. However, since all the paperwork was legitimate and his personal seal had been affixed, there was essentially nothing he could do.
His mother also expressed that it’s difficult for Dongwoo to be independent because he tends to trust people too easily, has an overly naive perspective on things, and is clumsy in everything he does. She stated, "It's like leaving a child alone by the water's edge."
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