South Korean police are investigating two members of K-pop boy band Supernova for gambling in the Philippines.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency identified them as Yoonhak and Sungje.
They are accused of playing baccarat at a casino in the Philippines from 2016 and 2018 and betting between 7 million to 50 million won (about $5,936 to $42,402).
The two singers are also being investigated for gambling online in Korea.
After the news came out, their agency, SV Entertainment, issued a statement.
"We are sorry for causing trouble to fans with the bad news about the reckless behaviors of Yoonhak and Sungje. The two members are deeply regretting their wrongdoings and are reflecting on their actions,” the agency said, according to SBS News.
While the two admitted to the charges, they denied they went to the Philippines to gamble saying it only happened by chance.
Koreans are not allowed by law to gamble in their own country and overseas. They can legally gamble only at one place: the Kangwon Land Casino in Gangwon, South Korea.
Korea’s Criminal Act law states that “a person who commits the offense of gambling shall be punished by a fine not exceeding ten million won .
Exonerated from the punishment are those practicing gambling as pastime.
Habitual gambling is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine up to 20 million won (about $16,961).
In April, Yoonhak tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) becoming the first Korean celebrity to be infected with the virus. He returned to Korea from Japan and on April 1. His test results showed he was positive of the virus.
Supernova debuted in 2007 but they are now active in Japan.