Korean Star Tells All About His Heartbreaking Experience Of Paying For His Criminal Parents’ Sins
The Mnet entertainment program Show Me The Money 12 (abbreviated as SMTM12) aired its first episode on the 15th, featuring regional preliminaries. At the Seoul regional preliminaries, Microdot appeared and immediately drew attention.
Having previously participated in seasons 4 and 6, Microdot said about his third time on the Show Me The Money series, “I made up my mind to take on the challenge. People say, ‘Isn’t that him? That blows.’” He was aware of the public’s perception. This was due to the aftermath of his parents’ debt controversy.
Microdot confessed, “I’m also scared of being supported. My parents served prison sentences. The trial is over, but with one person, I’m still in the process of delivering a settlement and consolation payment.” He added, “I struggled a lot. I wondered how to resolve it. Since I have to earn somehow, I’ve been working in a barbecue restaurant for about four years. I do everything from dishwashing, cleaning, opening the restaurant, to mopping the floor.”
He said, “I sincerely thought I was a bad guy. I directed my resentment inward. When things were hard, I lost my relationships, and the only thing that didn’t leave me was music. It took time, but I decided to stand back up. I really love hip-hop and am good at it. If people open their hearts again and listen to what I have to say, there’s nothing I want more. I hope my sincerity reaches them.” This was his reason for appearing on the show.
The producer Microdot met was Gray. Without hesitation, Microdot expressed his sincerity through lyrics like “Madot is back, that hustler whose parents paid off debt,” and “Madot’s parents’ debt always holds him back wherever he goes, but I’m okay. I’ve come back after 10 years.” Gray listened seriously and smiled before handing over the acceptance necklace.
Gray explained, “He was stable and conveyed his message well. Maybe because he’s a veteran, I naturally had to accept him.” Meanwhile, Microdot showed tension rather than composure, even trembling in his hands. After passing, he smiled brightly and said, “I’m so happy,” bowing his head in gratitude.
Previously, Microdot’s parents operated a dairy farm in Jecheon, Chungbuk, from 1990 to 1998, borrowing about ₩300 million KRW (about $204,000 USD) from 14 people and fleeing to New Zealand in May 1998 without repaying the debts. While residing in New Zealand, Microdot’s parents returned to South Korea in April 2019 amidst the height of the “debt controversy” and were prosecuted.
Subsequently, Microdot’s family settled with 10 of the 14 victims. However, for those who did not come to an agreement, Microdot’s father was sentenced to three years in prison and his mother to one year. After completing their sentences, Microdot’s parents were immediately deported to New Zealand. During this process, Microdot is still repaying consolation money to one of the victims with whom a settlement was reached. It is also reported that he left the entertainment industry to reflect and has been involved in volunteer work.
