Celebrity chef Oh Se-deuk has issued a forceful rebuttal to explosive rumors spreading online, announcing a hardline legal response. Posts on social media recently accused a well-known figure of involvement in a financial scam worth around 1 billion won and of disrupting the operation of a local agricultural cooperative’s farm—claims many online users speculated were aimed at Oh. He flatly denied the allegations, calling them false.
On the 26th, Oh shared a lengthy statement on his social media along with related documents. “The content being circulated on social media is false and does not reflect the facts,” he wrote, adding, “Spreading false information carries serious legal liability, and we will respond strictly.”
He also revealed that he personally filed complaints and that members of the cooperative, after reviewing factual details and account records related to investment contributions, have submitted multiple reports and complaints that are now in progress. “If the other side’s claims were true, there should be complaints filed against me,” he stressed. “To date, not a single such filing exists.”
The controversy began with a whistleblowing-style post uploaded by a netizen. While it avoided naming names, the post alleged that a famous figure identified as “A” caused financial damage in the 1 billion won range to an acquaintance and even interfered with the operation of a farm run by an agricultural cooperative in Jeju. The poster said their mother was suffering psychological and financial distress and that an ongoing trial limited how much could be disclosed.
Further claims included blocking access to the farm, office damage, staff intimidation, and obstruction of business. The post also said “A” talked about the farm on a TV program as if it belonged to them. Online speculation rapidly pointed to Oh Se-deuk as the alleged figure.
In response, Oh cited the released materials to argue that he is the one actively pursuing legal procedures over private document issues tied to share transfers and matters related to contributed capital. “All facts will be clarified through investigation and due process,” he emphasized.
With both sides presenting conflicting narratives, the truth of the controversy will likely be determined by upcoming legal proceedings and the results of the investigation.