“400 Million Won in Debt and Even His Bank Account Seized”... Kenta, Formerly of JBJ (Just Be Joyful), Opens Up About Financial Hardship

[Financial News]  Singer Kenta, formerly of the group JBJ, said he was left with about 400 million won in debt after leaving his agency. He opened up about how he struggled to make ends meet, with only a single 1,000-won bill left in his possession after his bank account was seized.
In a video titled “A Full Tour of Kenta’s Home in Korea,” recently posted on the YouTube channel “ICU,” Kenta talked about a time when he was struggling financially and about his life now.
He also said that he currently lives alone. Kenta explained that he began living independently after a member he had lived with for seven years enlisted in the military.
JBJ, the group Kenta was a member of, was a project group that debuted in October 2017. It consisted of six contestants from Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2”: Noh Tae-hyun, Kim Yong-guk, Takada Kenta, Kim Sang-gyun, Kwon Hyun-bin and Kim Dong Han. The group reached No. 1 on music shows with “My Flower,” but wrapped up its activities just seven months after debuting.
After the group’s activities ended, Kenta pursued a solo singing career and also entered the live-commerce field. Speaking about the debt he incurred while leaving his agency, he said, “I was an idol, and when I ended up leaving the company, I got into debt. It’s 400 million won. Because of that, I feel the weight of ‘I have to pay this back,’ as well as a sense of responsibility.”
He said there was also a time when, amid the financial pressure, he considered giving up his singing career. Kenta said, “I once tried to quit. I thought I should quit being an idol. I felt it wasn’t right for me. I burned out and lost my goal for the first time in my life.” He added, “Then recently, I found a goal again. The first thing is to pay off my debt. I still have a lot left.”
He said that after his account was seized over his debt, even finding money for food became difficult. Kenta said, “I got into debt and my account was seized, so suddenly my bank account was gone and I had only one 1,000-won bill. I was at the point of wondering, ‘What am I going to eat tomorrow?’ I was busy just getting through each day. At the time, the older men and women around me sent me things like rice.” He said he managed to get by with help from those around him.
He also said he wanted to repay the people who helped him during that difficult time. Kenta said, “I think there’s such a thing as a debt you owe in life. I think receiving help from someone is also a debt. I think living your life to repay that kindness is a good way to live.” He added, “So I’m grateful for this debt, too. It became a driving force. I like that my life hasn’t been smooth sailing.”


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter