How Kim Ryang-ha Turned Tragedy into Triumph: The Shocking Truth Behind 20 Billion Won Disappearance

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Kim Ryang-ha of the twin dance duo Ryang Hyun–Ryang Ha — who sparked a pop sensation in the early 2000s with \”I Didn’t Go to School\” — is making headlines again after sharing an update on his life.

Recently, the YouTube channel Byeongjin Hyung uploaded a video titled \”I Blew the 2 billion KRW I Made as Ryang Hyun–Ryang Ha?!\” which quickly attracted attention. 2 billion KRW (approximately $1,500,000 USD).

Kim began by expressing his trust in Park Jin-young (JYP). \”Jinyoung hyung gave us a 50/50 contract, so we earned the same as he did,\” he said, dismissing rumors about an uneven split.

According to Kim, the payments deposited under the brothers’ names when they were elementary school students totaled in the several billion KRW (several million USD).

The tragedy came unexpectedly. While Kim was serving in the military, his father suddenly died of a heart attack. With his father gone, the only family member who knew where the settlement money — reportedly withdrawn and stored in cash — had been kept was gone as well.

Kim said that after his father’s death he never learned what happened to the money. He added that, because his father was a strict man from Busan, no one dared to discuss finances while he was alive — a silence that still pains him.

From the disappearance of substantial assets to his father’s sudden passing, Kim faced hardships at a young age. Rather than succumb to despair, he chose to hold onto the legacy of how people remember him. \”Everyone knows how we performed and how we earned,\” he said. \”I live by that memory,\” he added, showing his resolve.

Kim has since moved on from that period and reinvented himself as an entrepreneur. He also revealed he is preparing a solo single, raising expectations among fans. \”Business has been fun,\” he said. \”For the new song, I write as much of the lyrics as I can. After spending time with people, I want to create songs that truly resonate with them.\”

Netizens responded with supportive messages, saying things like, \”I’m surprised Park Jin-young agreed to a 50/50 split,\” \”He must be devastated his father passed so suddenly,\” and \”Losing several billion KRW (several million USD) and still staying positive — that’s impressive.\”

By Jo Nayeon, TenAsia reportern