Sin Jeong-hwan trapped in Cebu

Detained for gambling debt or sick?

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Singer and entertainer Sin Jeong-hwan, 35, known for his habitual gambling, might have been trapped by his bad habit again, but he has denied he has been involved in any form of betting.

The popular TV personality, who was absent for several days from recording scenes for TV programs, was reportedly detained in Cebu, Philippines, because of money he owes to a private loan shark.

According to reports, Sin borrowed the money and handed over his passport as collateral. However, he lost all the money while gambling and could not get his passport back.

If he actually did use the passport as collateral, he violated the Passport Act and cannot apply for a new travel document at the Korean consulate there.

However, Sin has denied the allegations through the Korean Community Association in Philippines.

"We met Sin in person and he possessed his own passport. He caught dengue fever and was admitted to a local hospital", a representative of the community said. "He said he would return to Korea sometime this weekend".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also confirmed Sin's hospitalization, but did not comment on the gambling issue as it is personal affair.

Sin left for the Philippines on Aug. 26 and cut off communication with his agency for a while. He did not appear for the scheduled filming of KBS' "Star Golden Bell" Monday and news of his absence surfaced. Sin also missed MBC's "Flower Bouquet" Tuesday.

The producers of "Star Golden Bell" said they will fire Sin. Other broadcasting stations will also take measures against him if it is confirmed that he has been gambling overseas.

This is not the first time that the singer-entertainer has become embroiled in gambling-related troubles.

Sin received a 7-million-won fine for gambling at a private casino in 2005 and was banned from broadcasting, but returned to the entertainment business after some "self-reflection".

He was also sued for fraud in June for not paying back 180 million won to a friend who lent him money at Kangwon Land, the only casino open to domestic citizens in Korea. He later reached an agreement with the plaintiff.

Other entertainers who have been sanctioned for problematic gambling overseas include comedian Hwang Ki-soon, Kim Joon-ho and singer Lee Seong-jin, who were all indicted on illegal gambling and fraud charges.