Following his demise after the Burning Sun scandal, former BIGBANG member Seungri—whose stage name means “victory”—has been taunted by the Korean public with a new nickname: “Defeat.” And, based on his latest interview, the idol-turned-criminal is aware of the nickname and is feeling a certain way about it.
On April 3, 2025 (KST), Seungri spoke with Ilgan Sports to address the rumors about him leaving Korea to start an entertainment business in China. In this interview, he also addressed the fact that he continues to make headlines in Korean news despite having retired from the K-Pop scene, especially after serving prison time.
He acknowledged the meme-ification of his name, though he showed bitterness at “people criticizing and mocking” him.
It seems people like criticizing and mocking me. It’s like a meme—they don’t call me Seungri (victory) anymore but paebae (defeat), and maybe they find that amusing.
— Seungri
Seungri added, “I’m only speaking out to correct false information. I know people are tired of hearing stories about me.” The idol is said to have ended the phone interview with another apology and a promise to be “more responsible.”
I sincerely apologize for all the noise surrounding my personal life. I will be more cautious, even in my private matters to avoid any further controversies, and I will strive to be more responsible.
— Seungri
Expectedly, his interview has since garnered scathing reactions online.
- “Is he insane?! His victims are still out there. Yet, he’s upset about being called ‘defeat’?”
- “Hiya, Defeat.”
- “He should think about what he did.”
- “Did he just call it a meme…? Even ‘Defeat’ is a little too generous, IMO.”
- “I mean, he had so much fun ruining innocent women’s lives… I thought he’d be chill with us having fun calling him some names.”
- “But he is defeated for life. What’s the matter?”
- “I bet he found it amusing when he was committing all those crimes.”
- “Then what, should we call him f*cking ‘Dead’ instead?”
- “Literally who is asking for an interview with Defeat? Stop giving criminals a platform. No one asked, no one cares.”
- “Seungri isn’t even his real name, LOL. Why should anyone call him that?”
- “…Clearly, he does not think he did anything wrong.”
- “LMAO. Is he seriously ego-searching his name?! What a loser.”
Read more from his interview:
Seungri’s First Interview After Prison Release Addresses His “New Business”