Yang Chi-seung, known as a fitness trainer for celebrities, announced that he will close his gym "Bodyface." He previously disclosed that he fell victim to a rental fraud last year.
On the 15th, Yang Chi-seung notified his social network service (SNS) followers that he will cease operations on the 25th and stated that refunds are currently being processed.
Yang Chi-seung said, "If anyone has changed their phone number or has not received texts, please call to proceed with the refunds," and added, "Be sure to receive refunds by the 24th and collect your personal belongings, as it will be difficult to store them after the demolition."
A video released along with the announcement captured Yang Chi-seung personally placing a "closure notice" on top of the gym's water dispenser.
Yang Chi-seung gained recognition by appearing on broadcasts as a trainer for famous celebrities such as Kim Woo-bin, Sung Hoon, and Han Hyo-joo. However, he confessed that he experienced multiple instances of fraud while running the gym.
Yang Chi-seung appeared on KBS Joy's "Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller" last December, saying, "I moved into a building introduced by a close junior, but it turned out that I had to vacate in four years," adding, "The landlord had no intention of fraud from the beginning, and since he claimed not to have money, the case was dismissed. "
Yang Chi-seung rented a building in Gangnam, Seoul, to operate a gym. However, he later discovered that there were only 3 years and 10 months left on the lease. The land belonged to the district office, and the owner had a 20-year management and operation right after constructing the building.
He expressed, "The landlord did not pay the money he was supposed to pay to the district office with the rent I paid," adding, "I paid the rent, but I also have to pay fines to the district office."
He also mentioned that he trusted his younger sibling, who is a former celebrity, and entrusted him to manage a branch, but when he checked, he found out that his sibling was maintaining double accounts due to continuous declining sales. He said, "Since then, I have not opened any branches and am only operating one gym."
The total amount Yang Chi-seung lost to fraud is reported to be approximately 500 million won.
He appeared on Channel A's "Close Friends Documentary - 4-Person Dining Table" and said, "Because the atmosphere was not good, the number of members decreased. So I informed the members," stating, "I absolutely cannot cause harm to the members, so I have set aside all their money."