K-Pop Trainee Sent To Prosecution For Fraud Right Before Debut

A Japanese idol trainee who allegedly disappeared shortly before their scheduled K-Pop debut has been forwarded to prosecutors on suspicion of fraud.

According to reports on August 4, Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo Police Station forwarded the Japanese national, identified only as “A,” to the prosecution without detention on July 29.

A had reportedly been preparing to debut as one of six members of a K-Pop group under a small entertainment agency. However, in December 2025, shortly before the group’s debut, the trainee allegedly suddenly cut off contact with the company, citing a “breakdown of trust.”

The timing reportedly caused significant problems for the agency, as the group had already completed preparations to the point of filming its music video with A. Ultimately, the group moved forward without A and debuted as five members in February 2026.

The agency claims A’s sudden departure caused approximately ₩57.4 million KRW (about $40,200 USD) in damages. The amount reportedly includes money invested in his training, song and choreography production, recording, music video filming, meals, and accommodation.

More seriously, the agency claims it discovered circumstances suggesting that A had secretly signed a second contract with another entertainment company while still under contract. There are also allegations that this was not the trainee’s first time suddenly disappearing from an agency. A is suspected of previously cutting off contact with another company A had signed with.

Police reportedly imposed a travel ban on A while investigating the case. A is believed to remain in South Korea, with alleged sightings of the former trainee also appearing online. Following the investigation, police have now forwarded the case to prosecutors on suspicion of fraud.