K-pop star announces early retirement amid criminal allegations

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A top South Korean pop artist has announced his retirement from showbiz amid a criminal investigation involving drugs and assault.

Seungri announced on Instagram that he will be leaving the K-pop boy band BIGBANG "because the controversy has become so big".

"As for the ongoing probe, I will take the investigation seriously to clear all allegations," he added.

Seungri, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun, had already cancelled the March shows of his solo tour.

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