Shin Jung Hwan (Video grab by Manila Bulletin Entertainment)

A veteran Korean singer and comedian is now stuck in a Cebu hotel after he failed to pay his gambling debt, according to Korean media.

Reports identified the entertainer as Shin Jung Hwan, who failed to pay the money he borrowed from Korean lenders while playing in the Cebu casino. He also surrendered his passport as collateral for the loan.

It was said that Shin lost a lot of money in baccarat while playing in the hotel’s VIP room and had to borrow more.

His detention in the Philippines is now a hot topic in the Korean media and various online fora.

He reportedly flew from South Korea to Cebu last Aug. 27 for vacation. Speculations about his whereabouts arose when he failed to go back to Korea and report for the taping of Korean programs “Bouquet,” “Star Golden Bell” and a Chuseok Special.

With his passport in the hands of the lenders and his debt, Shin cannot leave the hotel.

With the latest scandal, Shin is likely to lose his shows and Korean TV stations may even impose a ban on him.

This is the second time that Shin got involved in such activity. In 2005, he was taken out from his variety shows after he was involved in illegal gambling. He was fined 7 million won (about P264,000).