Last October, Lee Min-woo, known for his involvement with Shinhwa, appeared on Channel A’s documentary program and disclosed deeply personal and distressing details about falling victim to gaslighting and financial exploitation at the hands of someone he trusted.
Lee Min-woo recounted how his acquaintance systematically targeted him, exploiting his vulnerability and manipulating him psychologically while coveting his assets.
This deceitful approach led to the acquaintance extorting all of Lee’s hard-earned possessions over a prolonged period. The singer emphasized how the perpetrator seemed friendly and supportive, making the betrayal even more devastating.
Revealing the profound impact of the ordeal, Lee’s older sister expressed deep regret upon learning about the abuse years later, highlighting the profound emotional distress her brother endured.
Lee himself revealed the extent of the psychological torment, describing how the perpetrator used threats against his family and Shinhwa’s activities to keep him silent for three agonizing years.
Despite recognizing the malicious intent behind the scheme, Lee Min-woo admitted to feeling trapped and under the perpetrator’s control, resulting in severe mental anguish and thoughts of despair. Only after seeking professional help and receiving a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) did Lee begin to regain his composure.
Looking back on the traumatic experience, Lee Min-woo expressed gratitude for the support of his family, which played an important role in his recovery process. His candid revelation sheds light on the vulnerability of celebrities to exploitation and the lasting impact of emotional abuse.