Star Chef Oh Se-deuk Slams ‘Farm Seizure’ Rumors: “I’m Shocked by These False Claims”

Star chef Oh Se-deuk has issued a detailed rebuttal regarding the ongoing controversy involving a farm in Jeju.

On the 26th, Oh Se-deuk spoke out during a phone interview with Xports News about various allegations surrounding him, including the interference of farm operations.

Previously, a netizen “A” posted on social media claiming that a celebrity had threatened employees and obstructed business at a farm operated by their mother, “B.”

Netizen A claimed that the celebrity ripped open the farm office door, issued threats, and stole a business phone. They also alleged that their mother was a victim of a financial fraud worth 1 billion won committed by the celebrity’s family, leading to online speculation that the person in question was Oh Se-deuk.

Regarding the claim of stealing a business phone, Oh Se-deuk firmly denied it, stating, “I hadn’t even been to Jeju Island at the time.” He explained, “I reported the union members. The person who took the phone was a union member, and when I went to the police station and asked for it back, they gave it to me. It wasn’t a personal phone but a corporate one used by everyone. That’s how it ended.”

To the claim that he was pretending to be the “representative,” he countered, “I am the representative on the registry. Ms. B managed the bank accounts while serving as an auditor, but evidence of professional embezzlement was found, and I am currently suing her with the police agency.” He added, “As the registered representative, I actively informed the victims and reported this to the investigative authorities upon discovering the facts. That’s the only way to prove I didn’t embezzle the funds.”

Specifically addressing the rumors of a 1 billion won financial fraud involving his family, he emphasized, “It’s a case that has nothing to do with me. If there were a lawsuit, I would have received a witness summons or at least a complaint, but I haven’t received anything.”

He further explained, “If I had seized the farm as Ms. B claims, she would have sued me, but that’s not the case. Ms. B told the investigator something similar, and the investigator also stated that it didn’t seem related to me. Despite this, false stories are being spread, and as a result, a lawsuit for defamation is currently underway.”

Currently, Oh Se-deuk and other union members have filed over 20 complaints against Ms. B. She has been sued for forgery of private documents, fraud, and professional embezzlement, with some cases transferred from the Seogwipo Police Station to the National Police Agency.

Oh Se-deuk’s representative told Xports News, “As a public figure, the spread of false information can lead to serious image damage. He was shocked that stories and posts contrary to the facts were circulating.” They added, “We will take active legal action.”