Seungri Garners Flak For 'Leeching Off' BIGBANG Name in Latest Appearance

Former BIGBANG member Seungri is being slammed for "leeching off" the group's name during his appearance in a Malaysian birthday bash.

Recently, a video surfaced showing Seungri attending a birthday party in Malaysia, where he performed the group's hit song "BANG BANG BANG." His appearance sparked controversy, mostly due to his scandals involving the 2019 Burning Sun incident. The scandal not only led to his departure from BIGBANG but also led to his retirement from the entertainment industry.

Following his involvement in numerous illegal activities at the nightclub, Seungri was sentenced to a year and a half in prison. He was released on February 9, 2023. The fact that Seungri, who has a criminal history, was performing a BIGBANG song immediately drew mixed reactions from netizens.

While some netizens expressed discomfort at him still trying to maintain ties with BIGBANG and their music, others suggested that since the event was private, he could have been requested by the birthday celebrant to perform BIGBANG songs. Therefore, he should not receive hate.

However, some believed that Seungri should only perform his solo music and should be banned from performing BIGBANG songs in any event, so as to not ruin the group's reputation further.

Seungri's career, which was on the rise, was quickly shot down after allegations surfaced in January 2019 linking him to serious crimes at Burning Sun. He was accused of allowing staff members and celebrity friends to assault and drug customers. He was also accused of sexual assault, operating a prostitution ring, tax evasion, and more.

Additionally, Seungi was also involved in a notorious chat room scandal with Jung Joon Young. In these chatrooms, male celebrities would distribute illegally filmed videos of them having sex or sexually assaulting women.

Soon, it was announced Seungri would be leaving BIGBANG and retiring from the industry. At first, YG Entertainment claimed that Seungri's decision to leave BIGBANG and retire was his own choice. However, it was suspected that he was in fact kicked out of the agency.

Upon his release from prison, Seungri, who faced multiple charges including prostitution mediation, gambling, embezzlement, and violation of several laws, publicly apologized, expressing remorse and vowing to change. He also acknowledged the distress he caused to VIPs, his family, BIGBANG, and YG Entertainment.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lopez