K-pop Star Park Gyuri Faces Escalating Legal Challenges Over PICA Coin Scandal As Celebrity Endorsements Under Scrutiny

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Wednesday, Jul 23, 2025 10:02 pm ET2min read
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Aime RobotAime Summary

- K-pop star Park Gyuri faces fraud charges over PICA Coin, a crypto project linked to her ex-partner Song Ja-ho, who is accused of price manipulation and breach of trust.

- Park admitted buying PICA Coin with Bitcoin in 2021 but claims ignorance of its illicit nature, complicating legal arguments about her intent and role as CCO.

- The case highlights risks of celebrity endorsements in crypto, with prosecutors emphasizing how public figures' reputations can be exploited to legitimize fraudulent schemes.

- PICA Coin's delisting and ongoing legal battles underscore regulatory gaps in altcoin markets, potentially prompting stricter oversight for celebrity-backed crypto projects.

Park Gyuri, former member of the K-pop group KARA, is entangled in escalating legal challenges related to the PICA Coin scandal, as new accusations emerge against her and her former partner, Song Ja-ho. The allegations center on PICA Coin, an art-themed cryptocurrency project linked to Song, who faces charges of fraud and breach of trust. Park recently admitted in court to selling her personal

Bitcoin
in 2021 to purchase PICA Coin, which she had previously described as a legitimate art-technology startup. However, PICA Coin CEO Seong Hae-joong contests her account, asserting she received 60 million won ($43,566 at the time) in cash from Song as compensation for her involvement. Park’s representatives have declined to comment, citing privacy concerns [1].

The case underscores the complexities of proving intent in crypto fraud cases. Park’s defense hinges on claims of ignorance regarding the project’s illicit nature, a stance complicated by her dual roles as PICA Coin’s Chief Communications Officer and advisor. Meanwhile, Song’s alleged financial arrangement with Park could imply a more active role in the project’s operations than she has publicly acknowledged. Prosecutors accuse Song of manipulating PICA Coin’s price and defrauding investors, though he has not explicitly denied the charges [2]. The overlapping personal and professional relationships between the two figures add layers of complexity to the legal proceedings, raising questions about accountability in cases where reputations and finances intersect.

The broader implications for the crypto industry are significant. PICA Coin’s delisting from Upbit in June 2021 and subsequent legal fallout highlight the risks of unregulated altcoin ventures. Celebrities, as public figures, face heightened scrutiny when their associations are perceived to endorse fraudulent schemes. Park’s case also spotlights gaps in due diligence for celebrity endorsements, particularly in markets where personal branding and financial decisions are closely intertwined [3]. The trial could influence future regulatory approaches to celebrity-backed crypto projects, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

For investors, the case serves as a cautionary example of the challenges in verifying the legitimacy of crypto ventures involving high-profile individuals. PICA Coin’s credibility has already been damaged, with market reactions reflecting cautious interest amid legal uncertainties. The outcome of Song’s trial and potential legal actions against Park may set precedents for how jurisdictions address celebrity involvement in financial misconduct. Analysts note that the case could prompt stricter oversight in the crypto sector, particularly for projects leveraging public trust to attract investments [4].

As the trial progresses, the focus will likely remain on reconciling Park’s stated intentions with the evidence presented. The resolution of the case could shape regulatory frameworks and investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of due diligence in an industry still grappling with rapid innovation and evolving legal standards.

Sources:

[1] [K-pop Star Park Gyuri of Kara Denies Crypto Wrongdoings as Ex-Lover’s Trial Continues](https://cryptonews.com/news/k-pop-star-park-gyuri-of-kara-denies-crypto-wrongdoings-as-ex-lovers-trial-continues/)

[2] [K-pop Star Park Gyuri of Kara Faces More Crypto Accusations as Ex-Lover’s Trial Continues](https://cryptonews.com/news/k-pop-star-park-gyuri-of-kara-denies-crypto-wrongdoings-as-ex-lovers-trial-continues/)

[3] [K-pop Star Park Gyuri of Kara Faces More Crypto Accusations as Ex-Lover’s Trial Continues](https://cryptonews.com/news/k-pop-star-park-gyuri-of-kara-denies-crypto-wrongdoings-as-ex-lovers-trial-continues/)

[4] [K-pop Star Park Gyuri of Kara Faces More Crypto Accusations as Ex-Lover’s Trial Continues](https://cryptonews.com/news/k-pop-star-park-gyuri-of-kara-denies-crypto-wrongdoings-as-ex-lovers-trial-continues/)