FIVE O ONE’s Canceled Japan Tour Draws Criminal Complaint Over Alleged Investment Misuse

A criminal complaint involving the canceled Japanese tour of FIVE O ONE, the SS501 unit comprising Kim Hyun Joong, Heo Young Saeng and Kim Kyu Jong, has brought new allegations about the concert project’s financing to light.

According to firsthand reporting published by Ilgan Sports on October 22 and 23, entertainment company Mint Bridge and other complainants filed a criminal complaint on October 21 against actor Ahn Yong Joon, who heads concert promoter Bebe Entertainment.

The complaint alleges suspected fraud, embezzlement and document forgery connected to investments in FIVE O ONE’s planned Japanese performances.

Mint Bridge claims it paid ₩500 million toward concert production in July but had not recovered the money following the tour’s cancellation.

According to the complaint reviewed by Ilgan Sports, Mint Bridge alleges that ₩300 million was transferred to a third-party company on the day the investment was received. The complainants also questioned whether some funds were used for purposes unrelated to the concerts and challenged the authenticity or authorization of certain documents presented during fundraising.

Mint Bridge estimates that the project’s wider financial exposure, including claims involving other parties, could reach approximately ₩3 billion. That figure is the complainants’ estimate, not a verified or court-established loss.

The allegations follow FIVE O ONE’s September 3 announcement canceling four Japanese performances previously scheduled for September 11 and 13 in Tokyo, September 26 in Kobe and September 27 in Osaka.

At the time, the group’s agency, HENECIA, attributed the cancellation to shortcomings in the local promoter’s preparation, communication and operations. The agency said it had sought corrective measures but determined the concerts could not proceed normally.

Ilgan Sports reported that it had attempted to contact Ahn Yong Joon for comment but had not received a response by publication.

The filing of a criminal complaint does not establish that the alleged offenses occurred. No conviction or court determination concerning these allegations has been reported, and the members of FIVE O ONE are not identified as suspects in the complaint.

Although reporting indicates that new Japanese performances are being prepared with another organizer, confirmed replacement dates and ticketing arrangements have not been established.