Once a top star representing China, Lee Yook-bong (38, Li Yifeng) has faced forced execution of a large compensation amount due to the aftermath of an illegal prostitution case.
According to local reports from Chinese media including Jinyang Network on the 21st, Lee Yook-bong and his associated companies received a forced execution decision from the Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court for approximately 49.9 million yuan (about 9.7 billion won).
In September 2022, Lee Yook-bong was caught by Beijing police for habitual illegal prostitution and received an administrative detention, effectively expelling him from the entertainment industry.
Following the incident, all of his works were completely removed, advertising contracts were terminated one after another, and his social media accounts were blocked, officially labeling him as a 'problematic celebrity' in the local area.
This forced execution is related to a civil lawsuit, but the specific reasons have not been disclosed. However, it is believed locally that the causes may include advertising penalties and compensation for losses from drama and movie projects that occurred after the illegal prostitution incident.
As his activities in China were blocked, Lee Yook-bong attempted a comeback by holding a concert in Bangkok, Thailand, last April. VIP tickets worth about 680,000 won sold out in just 30 seconds, and the price of scalped tickets soared more than five times, proving the power of his remaining fanbase.
However, evaluations surrounding him remain mixed. Some fans advocate, saying, "He has already taken legal responsibility, so he should be given another chance to perform," while many netizens draw the line, stating, "There can be no return for a problematic celebrity who has disturbed social order."
Born in 1987, Lee Yook-bong rose to stardom with the 2014 drama 'Gogumok Gidan' and received great love through dramas like 'Hwal Saek Saeng Hyang' and movies such as 'Romantic Panic' and the 'Tomb Raider' series.
He collaborated with Korean actress Lee Da-hae in the drama 'Recipe of Love' and appeared alongside Lim Yoona in the music video for his song 'Cheonggeun Ah Yeonrak,' making him a familiar face to domestic fans as well.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
