Seoul, en.SERU.co.id – A Japanese K-pop trainee who had been scheduled to debut in a six-member boy group has been referred to prosecutors without detention on fraud charges. The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station referred the case to prosecutors on July 29, 2026, according to reports published on August 4.
The 29-year-old trainee disappeared in December 2025, roughly two months before the planned debut. He left a brief message saying that “trust has broken down” before cutting off all contact. At the time of his disappearance, the group had already completed filming its music video, released its songs, and publicly announced its member lineup. The agency proceeded with the debut in February 2026 as a five-member group, which remains active.
Agency Claims and Police Response
The agency later determined that the trainee had allegedly signed with another entertainment company while under an exclusive contract, in what the agency described as a “double contract.” Legal action was initiated in March 2026.
In an official statement reported by Korea JoongAng Daily, the agency said:
“After looking into the matter, we found that the suspect had also suddenly cut off contact and disappeared from another company he had signed with before joining us. He repeatedly signed with Korean entertainment agencies, received substantial investment for his training and debut, and then fled to Japan.”
The agency estimated losses at 57.43 million won over approximately four months. The figure includes training costs, song and choreography production, recording fees, music video production, meals, and housing expenses.
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After receiving the criminal complaint, police imposed an exit ban on the trainee as a foreign national and continued the investigation. The suspect appeared toward the end of the process, allowing police to conclude their inquiry and refer the case to prosecutors without detention. The exit ban remains in effect, and the individual is currently in South Korea.
Earlier reports published in May 2026 outlined the initial police investigation and the agency’s allegations involving repeated dealings with smaller entertainment companies. Identities of the trainee, the agency, and the group have not been publicly disclosed.
