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South Korean public figures, including prominent YouTubers, a veteran from the 2002 World Cup, a race car driver, and a well-known comedian, have become involved in a rapidly evolving controversy regarding a crypto “scam.”
This situation revolves around a company called Winnerz, a South Korean blockchain-based sports initiative and the creator of the Winnerz (WNZ) coin.
South Korean Celebrities in Crypto Controversy: Who Is Involved?
The roster of celebrities caught up in the swiftly unfolding media storm surrounding the company includes:
- Soccer player Lee Chun-soo, a participant in the South Korean 2002 World Cup team that advanced to the semi-finals
- Comedian Na Sun-uk, known for Comedy Royale and as a member of the YouTube Channel Byulnomduel (1.25 million subscribers)
- Comedian-turned-race car driver Han Min-kwan
- YouTubers Kim Won-hoon and Cho Jin-se from the Sandbox channel (over 2.8 million subscribers)
- YouTuber Oking (2 million subscribers)
- Model and social media influencer Park Min-jung
Nearly all of those mentioned have denied any involvement in the situation. Most have indicated that while they may have interacted with individuals associated with Winnerz, they do not have any ties to the company.
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WNZ prices over the past week. (Source: CoinMarketCap)
Anonymous investors have come forward with claims that Winnerz issued “fake” coins, asserting that they can no longer access their investments.
Company Refutes Allegations
Winnerz has rejected these claims, stating that counterfeit coins using its name and logo are unrelated to the firm.
The investors reported that they filed an official complaint with the police on February 5, prompting an online search for celebrities connected to the company.
South Korean celebrities accused of having ties with Winnerz. Clockwise from top left: YouTuber Oking, model and social media star Park Min-jung, comedian Na Sun-uk. (Sources: Oking/ Byulnomduel YouTube channels/Park Min-jung Instagram)
However, in a YouTube video that has garnered nearly 3.3 million views within four days, content creator Oking acknowledged that he had invested in Winnerz.
Oking created the video in response to online investigators who discovered his real name listed on an official document as a director of Winnerz. The YouTuber stated:
“I invested in Winnerz. But I have now announced my intention to withdraw my investment. I have ended all my associations with Winnerz. And I have no plans to collaborate with Winnerz in the future.”
In a statement on its website, Winnerz countered much of Oking’s assertion. The company claimed that it had “never disclosed” Oking’s investment “at [the YouTuber’s] own request.” The firm stated:
“Winnerz has suffered unnecessary misunderstandings and has even been falsely accused of operating a scam. However, we have responded calmly and objectively to all accusations.”
The company also “reminded” the public that it is listed on “overseas crypto exchanges,” asserting that it has always been “transparent” in its operations.
The anonymous individuals behind the allegations accused Winnerz of running a “multi-level scam” scheme.
The accusers claim that the firm enlisted prominent South Korean celebrities to assist in promoting the “scam.”
YouTuber Faces Consequences as Allegations Emerge
Since February 5, approximately 120,000 individuals have unsubscribed from Oking’s channel, according to Wikitree.
The YouTuber mentioned that he had also received payments from the company for hosting a Winnerz live event.
However, he denied claims that he had received a $75,000 payment from the firm. He told his followers:
“I should have told you what I did. I lied because I was scared.”
A significant portion of the controversy involves an individual named Choi Seung-jung, who appears to have connections with Winnerz.
Choi is believed to have orchestrated several fraudulent coin projects, including the alleged Golden Goal (GDG) coin scam, where investors reportedly faced obstacles in withdrawing their funds.
South Korean Sports Figure Denies Coin Association
According to a separate report from Wikitree, soccer player Lee Chun-soo took to social media to deny any involvement with both GDG and Winnerz.
Lee has transitioned into an entertainment career following his retirement. In September 2021, GDG used images of Lee to promote the project.
The World Cup 2002 and 2006 participant stated that while he had discussions with GDG coin representatives, he had never consented to collaborate with the company.
Lee expressed that the images had been utilized without his consent or knowledge.
Lee, who played in Europe for clubs such as Real Sociedad and Feyenoord, mentioned that GDG officials had approached him with the proposal of launching an NFT soccer boot initiative.
Earlier this month, regulators indicated that they might investigate the NFT concert ticket sales of K-pop star sensation and “Gangnam Style” artist PSY.
The post South Korean Celebrities Embroiled in Crypto ‘Scam’ Allegations appeared first on Cryptonews.
