“In relation to media reports…”

Recently, the “Burning Sun” scandal returned to the spotlight following the release of BBC‘s documentary on the matter.

In particular, netizens have their attention on former BIGBANG member Seungri, who owned the infamous Burning Sun nightclub. He has been frequently spotted living his life since his release from prison.

Earlier this week, a netizen’s post on Seungri’s recent activities in Hong Kong led to local media reporting that Seungri would be living in the city and opening a nightclub. Some of the reports suggested Seungri took advantage of Hong Kong’s talent admission schemes, which grant visas to individuals who possess certain skills and talents, to relocate to the city.

This led to the Hong Kong government issuing an official statement to address the matter. Below is the official English version of the statement.

“HKSAR Government clarifies media reports on visit to Hong Kong of former Korean artiste

In relation to media reports about a former Korean artiste who planned to move to Hong Kong and the talent admission schemes of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government were mentioned, a spokesman for the HKSAR Government clarified today (May 23) that the HKSAR Government has not received any visa application by the said person for any talent admission schemes. The relevant government departments will, in accordance with the established mechanism, play a robust gatekeeping role when processing applications of talent admission schemes to ensure only applications of eligible persons will be approved.

Currently, nationals of Korea (Republic of) can enjoy a visa free period in Hong Kong for a visit not exceeding 90 days.”

– HKSAR Government

Although Seungri did not receive a visa through the talent admission schemes, whether he will relocate through other means and open a nightclub in Hong Kong still remains to be seen.