Former BIGBANG boyband member Seungri, real name Lee Seung-hyun, arrives at the High Court in Seoul on May 14, 2019. File Photo: VCG

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has dismissed speculation that disgraced South Korean singer Lee Seung-hyun (stage name Seungri) could migrate to the SAR, noting that it has not received any such application.

On Thursday night, a spokesperson for the SAR government made the clarification without specifically naming anyone, saying it "has not received any visa application by the said person" for any talent admission schemes.

"The relevant government departments will, in accordance with the established mechanism, play a robust gatekeeping role when processing applications of talent admission schemes to ensure only applications of eligible persons will be approved," the spokesperson said.

Lee, 33, formerly a member of world-renowned K-pop idol group BIGBANG, was sentenced to three years in jail in 2021 by a South Korean military court, more than two years after sexual assault allegations against him first emerged that shocked fans and the wider public. The sentence was later reduced to 18 months after appeal.

He had been indicted without detention in 2020 for allegedly organizing prostitutes for investors, embezzlement, bribery, illegal gambling, and violation of foreign currency exchange and food hygiene laws, according to CNN. He was released from prison in February 2023 after serving 1.5 years behind bars.

Allegations and reports also pointed to him being affiliated with a nightclub in South Korea, which was probed over drugs and sexual abuse.

The BBC recently released a documentary that detailed the criminal acts of drugging, sexual assault, and humiliation committed by South Korean artists including Lee, bringing renewed attention to the case.

In the past few days, a number of Hong Kong media outlets have reported that Lee had purchased a luxury house in Hong Kong and plans to open a nightclub. The relevant reports immediately drew attention as well as strong criticism and opposition from the Chinese public, who said he would bring a negative influence.

This news instantly grabbed widespread attention on social media in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. While netizens expressed anger, Hong Kong actor Jacky Heung also openly voiced his opposition. On Thursday, he commented on Sina Weibo, saying, "You are really not welcome, please stay away from Hong Kong!"

His statement quickly resonated with a large number of people and topped the trending list for over 10 hours.

"Wanting to bring the bad atmosphere of your own country to Hong Kong... Please leave immediately! Running a nightclub, and bringing a very bad atmosphere to the nightclub, is absolutely unforgivable."

Heung also added, "Another more deadly point: [Lee's rumored immigration] drew support for Hong Kong secessionists, which is intolerable! Get lost!"

According to Hong Kong's local immigration regulations, South Korean residents can visit the city visa-free for 90 days of stay as a tourist.

Global Times