"We have to consider the deposit as lost. Still, our members will not suffer at all."
Star trainer Yang Chi-seung has ultimately closed his gym. Despite suffering a scam worth hundreds of millions of won, his final farewell, smiling and taking care of his members until the end, touches many hearts.
Yang Chi-seung, who became well-known as a trainer for numerous celebrities like Kim Woo-bin, Sung Hoon, and Han Hyo-joo, directly reported the closure of his gym, Body Space, through his SNS on the 15th. He said, "We will end operations on July 25. Please be sure to receive refunds by the 24th, and take your personal belongings with you," and added, "I am truly grateful for your support during this time."
Outwardly calm, Yang Chi-seung's journey has not been easy. Last year, he fell victim to an unexpected scam at a Gangnam health club where he had invested a deposit of 400 million won. The landlord concealed a 20-year lease agreement with the district office and made a contract with Yang Chi-seung, even though only 3 years and 10 months were left in the lease term. Later, he received an eviction notice from the Gangnam District Office and ultimately had no choice but to withdraw.
Yang Chi-seung filed a criminal complaint against the landlord who scammed him, but the response he received was a non-indictment due to "no charges found." The landlord, who took an additional six months of rent, maintained an irresponsible attitude of saying, "I have no money, deal with it," and even remarked, "I can't work because of the rumors that I’m a scammer."
Nevertheless, Yang Chi-seung remained steadfast. He confidently stated, "Members are not allowed to re-register, and I have to give refunds, but the members must not suffer. Until the results are out, I have to work with a smile." Despite having been scammed multiple times before, he comforted those around him by saying, "It's not too difficult."
In a recent YouTube video, Yang Chi-seung also revealed a recording of a conversation with the scammer's wife, who is the registered owner of the building, from the property ledger. Expressing anger at the other party’s attitude of "I have no money, deal with it," he made it clear that he would fight back legally until the end.
Amid all this, Yang Chi-seung received applause from many for donating 10 million won for forest fire damage recovery. He was not alone, as colleagues supported him as well. Close friend and actress Choi Kang-hee helped by finding a new gym location and said she would even assist with the cleaning, showing her loyalty. However, despite numerous efforts, he ultimately had to close the gym.
Even after reaching the conclusion of closing the business without receiving a single won, Yang Chi-seung demonstrated unwavering responsibility in the difficult situation, and his positive spirit is giving courage to many.
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