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| Psy |
By Kim Jae-heun
Global K-pop star Psy has reportedly postponed his planned appearance on popular talk show "Radio Star" next Wednesday, raising suspicion over allegations the rapper is connected to the Choi Soon-sil scandal.
PSY is not directly involved with Choi, President Park Geun-hye's close confidant suspected of having abused power in state affairs, his agency YG Entertainment announced last Thursday. However, YG cannot deny PSY's connection with artistic director Cha Eun-taek, another key figure in the scandal related to cultural affairs with Choi. Cha directed music videos for Psy's digital single "Hangover" in 2014 and YG's most successful hip hop boy band BigBang's biggest hit "Lie" in 2007..
Although YG said Psy has delayed his TV appearance due to his busy schedule preparing for his new album, many believe he is uncomfortable appearing on the small screen where he may face possible questions on his relationship with Cha and Choi.
The artistic director also has connections with YG Entertainment CEO Yang Min-suk, younger brother of label founder Yang Hyun-suk, who is said to have trade several business deals with Cha. On recommendations of Cha, Yang became a youngest member and the first entertainment CEO to join the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment in 2013. Yang accompanied President Park on her trip to China as part of an economic mission.
The rumors revolving in the industry say Choi's niece Jang Si-ho and Choi's older sister Choi Soon-deuk had much interest in the entertainment scenes and Cha had helped Jang to find job in YG. However, the talent agency denied the rumor in its official announcement.
Choi Soon-deuk is said to have influence in the entertainment industry through the connections she built with celebrities in the entertainer's football team FC Hoeori. Singers PSY and Lee Seung-chul were reportedly members of the sports club, but YG said PSY was not a member of the football team and Lee denied any relationship with Jang or the Choi sisters.
Cha is also suspected of helping YG participate in the local government's cultural complex business in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. Many suspect Cha has exercised his power in favoring YG to join in the project without going through public bidding. In this 1.7 trillion won ($1.47 billion) project, YG takes a 5 percent share by building the YG Global K-Pop Cluster in the town.
Cha was arrested by the prosecutors yesterday at Incheon International Airport on his arrival, to face investigation of his involvement in the influence-peddling scandal.
Cha is suspected to have forced conglomerates to fund a "non-profit organization" called Mir Foundation along with Choi and pressured a mid-sized advertising company to hand over its shares to a third party connected to his close acquaintances.
