Korean talent agency cuts IPO size after key star’s drug scandal
YG said a recent incident involving marijuana consumption by prominent Big Bang member Kwon Ji-yong, 23, or G-Dragon, could curtail the band’s activities and hurt the company’s operations.
Kwon, known for his dance moves and flamboyant, hip-hop inspired fashion, claimed to have consumed marijuana accidentally after taking a few puffs of what he thought was a cigarette at a party in Japan in May.
Only trace amounts of the drug were found in his system and it was his first drug-related offense. Subsequently, prosecutors in Korea decided not to charge him.
“We cannot completely rule out similar mishaps occurring again in future and it is a risk factor that could directly affect our finances and management,” YG said in a filing late on Tuesday.
YG is now seeking to raise as much as 35.9 billion won ($31.3 million), 10 percent less than the amount it was seeking initially, with shares expected to begin trading in late November.
Reuters
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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