Former Seoul City Councilor and 'Laughter Therapist' Accused of Swindling Billions Before Disappearing

It's a bitter irony: a woman who made a living bringing laughter to the world is now accused of leaving citizens in tears before vanishing without a trace. An individual who worked as an entertainer and laughter therapist before serving as a member of the 9th Seoul City Council has been booked by police on charges of massive fraud. However, this case appears to go far beyond simply borrowing money and failing to repay it.

Dozens of Victims, Losses Topping 1 Billion Won

According to police on the 18th, the Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul is investigating the former councilor, identified as Ms. A, on fraud charges. She is accused of approaching local residents and district office officials in the Seodaemun-gu area since last year, borrowing money from them without repaying it. The scale of the alleged fraud is staggering. With dozens of victims already identified and losses reportedly exceeding at least 1 billion won (approximately $760,000 USD), the revelation has sent shockwaves through the community.

The Two Faces of a 'Laughter Therapist'

Ms. A is not just a former city councilor. She began her career as a KBS public recruitment comedian in the late 1980s. Later, she worked as a kindergarten teacher before obtaining certifications as a laughter therapist and recreation instructor, actively engaging in various fields. Here’s a brief look at her background:

• Late 1980s: Debuted as a KBS comedian; active in broadcasting.
• Early 2000s: Switched careers to become a kindergarten teacher, working in education.
• Around 2010: Obtained certifications as a Laughter Therapist and Recreation Instructor; began giving lectures.
• 2014: Elected to the 9th Seoul City Council, entering politics.
• March 2026: Placed under police investigation for alleged fraud involving billions of won.

In the memories of local residents, she was an exceptionally bright and cheerful person. When she ran for the Seoul City Council in 2014, her campaign slogan was "Creating a world where hardworking people can live with a smile." In an interview at the time, she expressed her unique ambition, stating, "Just as a comedian's job is to make the audience laugh, politics is about sacrificing and serving the residents." Her diverse background and eloquence were more than enough to earn the trust of her constituents.

A Community's Sense of Betrayal

Now, however, she has reportedly gone into hiding, with even her former constituents unable to reach her. It is particularly troubling that many of the alleged victims are acquaintances she made during her time as a councilor and while giving lectures as a laughter therapist.

"I never doubted her because of the image she had built up over the years," one Seodaemun-gu resident lamented. "How could someone who made people laugh do something like this?" he asked, visibly upset. This incident is likely to be remembered as more than just a financial crime; it represents a deep fracture in the community's trust system.

The Seodaemun Police Station is currently working to confirm the exact charges against Ms. A and determine if there are additional victims. Police plan to summon her for questioning soon regarding the allegations, but her whereabouts have not yet been confirmed.

A talent for making people laugh and a passion for community development are certainly commendable. However, exploiting that trust to defraud neighbors is inexcusable for any reason. All eyes are on how the police investigation will conclude this bitter chapter left behind by the former city councilor who once sold laughter.