Recently, Singer-Actor Jung Joon Young was revealed as a member of a Kakaotalk group chat involving Seungri and some other celebrities. The said group chat contains lewd videos and photos of at least 10 women he had sex illegally filmed. (1)
Back in 2016, the actor faced a complaint by his then-girlfriend for taking a video while doing sexual intercourse without her consent. The case was dropped later on by the woman, and Joon Young also issued a statement of apology also stating that the videos were taken with mutual consent. (2)
After the news circulated, the actor was removed from all of the shows he is in, 2 Days & 1 Night, Salty Tour and 4 -Wheeled Restaurant (3). He also returned to Korea from overseas filming to handle the case.
On March 12, 2019, Jung Joon Young issued a letter of apology and admitted to his crime (4). You may read the translation from Soompi below:
“I write to you in shame and guilt.
I, Jung Joon Young, once again realized the seriousness of this situation after returning to Korea on March 12. Although it’s already late, I apologize through this letter to all the people who showed an interest in me and gave me a second chance.
In regards to what is being said in relation to me, I admit to all my crimes. I filmed women without their consent and shared it in a social media chatroom, and while I did so I didn’t feel a great sense of guilt.
As a public figure, it was an unethical act worthy of criticism, and such a thoughtless action.
More than anything, I kneel and apologize to the women who appear in the videos who have learned of this hideous truth as the incident has come to light, and to the many people who must be angry at the situation over which they cannot contain their disappointment and astonishment.
I am withdrawing from all the programs that I was appearing on, and I will suspend all activities in the entertainment industry. I will now set down all my activities as a public figure that are not self-reflection, and I will reflect for the rest of my life on my immoral and illegal actions related to the crimes.
More than anyone else, I apologize to the women who have experienced great suffering due to my actions, to the many people who must feel anger even more so than disappointment, and to the many people who made me into a public figure and cherished me.
I will sincerely take part without any falsehoods in the investigations that will begin on the morning of March 14, and I will accept punishment for my actions.
I once again deeply apologize. I am sorry.”
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Jung Joon Young
Jung Joon Young is a friend of Seungri who also announced his retirement recently due to the issues that have been circulating. Some celebrities who were close to Joon Young are being eyed by the public for the possibility of being involved in group chats (5). No names were being revealed aside from the two as of writing.
We feel sorry for the fans of Jung Joon Young, but a crime is a crime. He must reflect on his wrongdoings and accept its consequences. Ultimately, we hope for peace, comfort and justice for the women who were involved and violated.
Sources: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Featured Image Photo: MakeUs Entertainment
It’s sad that their morals isn’t the same as on screen.