KUALA LUMPUR: Lisa of popular K-Pop group BlackPink has lost 1 billion won (about RM3.5 million) in a fraudulent scheme by her former manager.
According to Soompi, the 23-year-old idol's agency, YG Entertainment, had recently revealed the untoward incident.
Apparently, her ex-manager had claimed that the money in question was to have been used to help the talented rapper, singer and dancer with real estate investments.
Unfortunately, it was discovered that the person had used it all up on gambling instead.
In an interview by Market News, an anonymous informant revealed that the former manager, addressed only as A, had allegedly worked for the successful South Korean girl group since its debut.
The revelation apparently came as a surprise to many as A had a solid reputation within the company.
Talking about Lisa, who is a Thai national, the source reportedly said: "Because Lisa is a foreign member and has been in Korea by herself since she was young, she is very vulnerable to these things."
"It is very unfortunate that these things happen in the industry. This is a serious situation that can damage the domestic management's image," said the informant.
YG Entertainment later confirmed the incident in a statement that read: "After looking into the matter, we confirmed that Lisa was a victim of fraud by former manager A."
"According to Lisa's wishes to settle this amicably, as the former manager was someone Lisa had trusted, Manager A has reimbursed a part of the sum and has left the company after agreeing on a reimbursement plan for the rest of the sum."
It added: "We are embarrassed by A's wrongdoing and we feel responsible for the management and supervision."
"We are taking preventive measures so that this does not happen again."