Holy moly is this terrible entertainment news to report on, yet again since it’s the worst case of deja vu. I like Yoochun a lot, like so much ever since The Girl Who Sees Smells no matter how wonky that drama was narratively as a crime caper. But liking an actor or actress onscreen doesn’t inure me to covering their personal lives when it dovetails with the professional side, and in this latest bombshell allegation Yoochun is being investigated for a sexual assault allegation lobbed against him by a South Korean woman in her mid-twenties.
The alleged victim is asserting that Yoochun sexually assaulted her in the bathroom of an adult bar/entertainment establishment last week, having submitted a complaint to the Seoul police department which is now investigating. Yoochun’s side has immediately fired back that this is a shakedown extortion that nothing of the sort happened to constitute sexual assault. This is basically Park Shi Hoo v. 2 and I for one never ever wanted to go through this type of coverage again, sigh.
I think K-netizens will ding Yoochun no matter the end result of the investigation turns out, since he was frequenting a nightlife establishment which is always a no no for morality sticklers, especially since he’s currently serving his military service and needs to be clean as a whistle. I also think his side is going to have to explain whether there was sexual activity that happened in that bathroom, because it can still be consensual, but in that case Yoochun will also get dinged since it’s pretty sleazy that he would hookup with a drinking bar hostess he just met even if there is nothing illegal about a consensual encounter. All in all I feel bad – if true then it’s wrong and he needs to pay the legal price, and if false then it’s still a stupid thing to do to risk his hard earned professional reputation. Sometimes I wish I could be the manager for stars and keep them on the straight and narrow.
Out of the DBSK/JYJ members, he is always seems prone to a lot of scandals which were sometimes proven true and not. Maybe compared to other members, he has more social life. Besides, maybe growing up in America may have influence his open-mindedness towards a lot of things which some are a complete taboo in Korea. Sigh, I’ve been his fan for years since his debut. But, I cannot side with anybody until I know the true story. It’s still a shame and will definitely impact his career and he had went through many obstacles to reach this stage. I hope this is not true as I really want to watch his growth as an actor after the military service. Alas, if he’s in the wrong, he should accept the punishment but if he’s not, hope he learned to be cautious with his social life. He seems like a nice guy although I can never know.
In all fairness we have to say, that he went into a bar IN Korea. This got nothing to do with his growing up in the US.
Prostitution is a HUGE business in Korea, the numbers are quite shocking. The contribution of the sex business in Korea to the gross national product is roughly 4%, more than farming and fishing combined. And almost one quater of the male population loses its virginity in a brothel.
The Korean society might like to entertain the thought of being chaste and prude, but reality is anything but.
“one quater of the male population loses its virginity in a brothel” source?
It was a German newspaper article, sorry. But here is Wikipedia in English quoting an older survey, that of the 80% of men in the age group of 20 to 40 questioned about their sexuality and that stated that they had heterosexual relationships before 44,7% had their first encounter with a prostitute, so the rate is even higher than 25% if you project to 100%.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexuality_in_South_Korea
Thank you. Even though our country is not as conservative as SK, this type of thing is still not encouraged. Also, as you’ve stated, it seems many countries have an big problem with prostitution in many forms. I think this is more about a person as his sense of responsibility in terms of being a decent human being.
imho jaejoong is the social butterfly of Tvxq more so than Micky.
But in any event, I think this will only have a slight impact on his career. Considering the venue, it’s more he say she say. Unless there’s like video footage showing aggravated assault on his part, which is unlikely, he’ll probably get away with a slap on the wrist at most.
Like you @ockoala, I like him as an entertainer and I have been a supporter of JYJ in their fight in standing up to the industry, so this news is just so… I haven’t even commented about it anywhere else, because I don’t want to offend, because the nature of the allegations are so terrible.
I just want to smack him so hard, like why, why – even if he is found innocent, which early reports seem to be leaning towards. He will be dinged no matter what, for having causal sex, for hanging out while he was on public service, for the bone headed move of it all. He and his group mates, were finally appearing to be turning a corner, with some victories here and there, and then this happened. I get that he is a man, and because of the taboo nature for Korean celebrities and dating, maybe idols and K-celebrities have resorted to this type of arrangements, of visiting adult salons/clubs (same scenario with se7en, and other entertainers that were caught in the past).
I will say that JYJ and his fans have been mature in handling this. I know that there are some oppa apologists out there, like the fans of most Kpop idols, but most fans have actually been careful in how they have addressed this issue. I hope things get resolved correctly, and the truth prevails. *peace*
His fans doxxed the wrong woman thinking she was the one who sued him. They handed out her address online and started talking about going there to whop her ass.
Being a male celebrity in korea is a full time work even in when they are in a break or enlisting. It’s a mission for whole life to keep their image clean. Must be hard to breathe.
Blame K idol dramas for creating delusional fantasy to hypnotize viewers. Fangirls take on-screen princes charming for real oppas and vice versa, oppas in real life for princes charming. Just look at the way how huge cohorts of rabid fangirls spazz about Kpop idols and hallyu stars (such as LMH, KSH, and SJK) as if they were all that perfect in real life. It all makes sense K celebrities’ private lives have to be under scrutiny if fans seriously take their public image for real.
I have always admired this talented and good looking actor.But the news of his sex scandal is just too much to accept.I mean he has his own private life and his sex life is not anyone’s interest.To imagine him having force to have sex with a stranger is beyond belief.He can has any woman he wants without forcing himself on them.But to have sex in a toilet is not something you do naturally unless it’s called a quickie or just a blow job.It makes him looked so cheap.i am not surprised when there are move victims who came forward.If his status as a top star is his ticket to rape women he is completely wrong.
That’s why I give props to Lee Seung Gi and Yoo Jae Suk for always having a clean image. Granted, there are others but these are the first 2 to come up in my mind.
Plllease, all he has to do is NOT assult someone, not go to shady bars and not break his curfew. His MS is easy as hell and since he’s in public service he should have kept as quiet as possible for two years. It’s not that difficult to do.
I don’t defend Yoochun, but any star could be in his place right now.
What I mean? EVERY TIME when some big political issue happens in Korea, a celebrity ‘scandal’ breaks out. The bigger the mess, the bigger the scandal. Suzy and LMH was exposed during another political bribery investigation,so in other case there is ALWAY a connection.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2016/06/123_206910.html
Lotte is embroiled in a huge investigation. The losses are billions of dollars.
But what we read? About a sexual assault.
Really? If this is true, I don’t know who is dumber – the Korean citizens who surely can’t be all kpop fans and definitely not all are JYJ fans or the conspirators?
According to this theory, poor Yoochun is exposed because he just happened to commit the crime at the same time a huge political/corporate scandal is taking place. Or worse, he was the first big rat to get entrapped when the conspirators were lying mouse traps everywhere in Gangnam high class brothels.
Why am I not surprised? it’s always like this. Whenever there is a huge political corruption going on, the media will distract the public with a celebrity’s attention. And then the public will forget about the political scandal. Talk about priorities.
I wonder if the media go like this: let’s see which celebrity’s scandal will hit the hardest and help cover up this Lotte….ooo Yoochun’s scandal is quite juicy. In fact, I bet SM will like this too and they can pay me too.
So, this is like the drama Pinocchio?
Even I take this conspiracy theory with a grain of salt, I believe Pinocchio phenomenon may be prevalent in S. Korea perhaps with exaggeration to some extent for drama effects. My colleagues from S. Korea mostly do not have high regards of media and political system of their own country. All of them are highly educated professionals like economists, engineers/scientists, and statisticians. There should be reasons why media play is such a popular topic in K drama plots.
At this moment, it looks like the girl would have a hard time winning the case unless she has some solid evidence. It is easy to prove sex happened but harder to show if it was consensual or not.
I don’t think this has to do with Yoochun having spent his growing up years in the US or that he has to keep his image clean because of his celebrity status. Even American celebrities would get their image sullied if they are exposed to have frequented sex clubs.
I had admired Yoochun for having musical talent and a better than average acting ability than most kpop idol actor wannabes. I don’t expect him to a virgin but I didn’t expect this to happen either. If the assault really took place, I hope there is justice served. If it didn’t, I hope the accusers get punished for they have done great harm to real victims.
Just read the girl dropped charges. If it’s true, what a terrible thing they have done to Yoochun and worst of all, to real victims in the future who have to withstand even more doubt when they file charges.
Or she is a real victim and didn’t want to be involved in the invasive crazytown nietzen oppa shtstorm that will follow her forever.
Just a thought.
her dropping the case this fast means there were some strings pulled. I dont know how I feel at this point. it’s a very conflicted and complicated matter.
Just read the Police deny the charges are dropped. They are going ahead with investigation. So many conflicting news flying around.
Wow, is that suss or what? Even if it’s resolved, both sides end up looking not so good.
She didn’t file the charges…her boyfriend “filed” the charges and the evidence submitted was her clothing. in his retraction statement he outlines the reason he why he filed and why he retracted..he said, “An accident happened when A (referring to Ms. Lee) was drunk. When I heard about the accident that day, I got mad and that’s why/we filed the charges. However, I thought it was our fault for not finding out the exact situation of what happened before and after that’s why the charges were canceled” anyway, Yoochun probably went into the club with a couple of guys and whether he had sex or not…who knows? He is a target and should be more aware of the possible implications and consequences.
whether its true or not, i can’t see him same as before….seriously disappointed on him 🙁
I came to like Yoochun alot so this news really left a huge disappointment. I just hope that he’s innocent but if he isn’t, then I can’t look at him the say way.
Has he spoken about this matter to protect himself yet? or is everyone just attacking him when there are lots of outlets releasing this story in all shapes and form. I’m not saying he did it or not, I’m saying there are two sides to the story. He deserves to tell everyone his story before everyone starts judging him.
Media try to interview him when he goes to his work office (public service) yesterday, but he didn’t said anything and ended up filling sick leave for that day because too many reporter camped outside his office. This info cone from his office. All statement that come out untill now are only his agency position statement on report of each progress.
horrible news… how sad that this happened on his 30th birthday…
i feel sad about this because i really chunnie since SKKS. i’m like a big sis watching her brothers succeed and i really admire how he and the group stood up against the industry giant. and i really hope this isn’t true.
Just read the news of the girl dropping the charges. Even though that happened this whole situation ruined two reputations. Yoochun’s and the girl. Lose lose situation since there will be people out there making it sound like she was paid to drop charges, making him look bad. People will also assume this girl wanted 10seconds of fame and she will be frowned upon for many years to come.
Never been a fan of his especially as an actor -too stiff- but I hope for him he is innocent
I have seen few drama from Yoochun. I am not a fangirl but have enjoyed his acting. So bear in mind what I am about to say….
Idols turned star dont have any relationship (i.e. Girlfriend, wife, etc) due to: Agency’s reputation, netizen (fangirls) crazinnes/malicious antics. I think that frequenting brothal is more widespread in Korea then people realize. There are many cases of girls trying to scam for money. So I dont blame him for trying to have quickie, but if it was done with mutual concent.
Moral of story: Asian countries have more hidden sex then rest of the world.
Wow such a biased moral of story. Do you have any statistics to back up your assertion?
I think it’s all the same everywhere regarding human being’s sexual desire. There’re no boundaries to confine related activities to only certain part of the world. It’s just westerners are less abased to openly TALK about it. LOL
@drama2016, what I meant by Hidden Sex is not deviant behavior but openness to talk about it. And I grew up in one of those Asian countries. Sex is a part of life and those countries hide away from it. And that is a deviant behavior in itself.
Then I think we’re on the same page. I’m from the US but grew up with Asian background. So a lot of times I don’t really appreciate American culture, specifically when it comes to topics about carnal desire. When I said westerners were not abashed to talk about 5ex openly, I meant to disapprove of this kinda liberty. Rather confine it to bedrooms than overly highlight it in public. LOL
@BA I understood what point you were making. I wouldn’t be surprised if visiting these brothels is widespread. I just don’t understand why these idols are not allowed to have wives/girlfriends. Do people really think these men in their late twenties, early thirties are virgins?
Considering that someone recently said about song joong ki that he’s young and INNOCENT (unlike song hye kyo), at least some do…
Song Joong Ki himself has admitted dating before his military days, he’s freaking 31 years old now.
And as a fan it’s much better and healthier for them to do it with consenting partners in a relationship than go out chasing room salons.
There is news about the girl’s boyfriend dropping the charges, BUT POLICE denied it. The charges are still on and the girl didn’t drop it.
Please just like PSH’s case, they are starting to media play a lot of lies and untruthful things, to make people confused about Yoochun being guilty.
Follow just police reports, not his company biased articles or fans theories.
He had problem with women in the past.
what problem with women in the past? can you please elaborate?
Lol. This is hilarious: ‘Follow just police reports, not his company biased articles or fans theories. He had problem with women in the past.’
Care to link to the police report you have your knowledge of him having problems with women in the past from?
(Not a fangirl, just stating the very obvious.)
LOL…+1
She’s obviously biased, but gravitates towards the opposite side of his company.
I’m not sure what liz means, but isn’t there’s a video of him hitting a female sasaeng fan?
Granted that this is up to debate because the woman he hit is a sasaeng who had been harassing him…
So, he can’t keep it in his pants but that hardly makes him a sexual predator especially since the girl withdrew the charges, but the image that is so important in Korea for celebs, for him that is gone.
This whole situation is so upsetting. All the slut shaming and victim blaming makes me sick to my stomach. No one knows what happened as the police haven’t investigated yet but oppalogists are so quick to viciously attack her. And the boyfriend’s statement about withdrawing charges makes him sound like a pimp and not someone who actually cares about her. Overall, everything is so terrible.
I am not victim blaming, but he went to a hostess bar and he might have very possibly paid for it or it was consensual or he is a gigantic a-hole, guess we’ll never know so there’s no point here. Slut shaming can go either way, for him and also for her. The problem with us Asians, we like all the so called taboo but can’t say it out loud which gives rise to such incidents.
And public are quick to accuse him as rapist. As you said even when the investigation haven’t start.
Just so disappointing, these idols have everything ,and they’re willing to risk it all because they can’t look at a ladies leg without getting a boner.
Not again! 🙁
Not my favorite , only watched rooftop prince but I hope the charge is not true , he is handsome , famous , talented , it is such a waste just because of that
I feel that for any scandal like this, his image has been tarnished unfortunately even the charge was dropped. For me, he’s a celebrity and his private life has nothing to do with my concern about him as an actor/singer unless he’s legally committed. But I don’t think the K showbiz and the majority of K public have the same mindset as I. It doesn’t mean I approve of the way of his private life. But I do think his private life is totally irrelevant to me as a drama fan as long as he’s not proved to commit a crime. I feel bad for him.
Watched Rooftop prince because it was quite good. Enjoyed it but never really liked this guy. Also started watching SKKS but couldn’t finish it. Saw some of his singing and dancing but again nothing special about him so never understood why he and his group was so popular??? Maybe his fans can enlighten me here. Shocked that this news came out but maybe he wanted some nookie like a normal male.
what is a guy that in the army. doing at whore house. just watch he going pay the woman off. just like that rapist PSH.
PSH ? who is he? Park Si Hoo? if he, not rapist .. Sihoo was cleared.. shut up it’s your big mouth
I read that the “journalist” who published the FALSE news about the charges being dropped is JYJ fan.
I thought it was stupid move, but unfortunately it works well… now some people really think they are withdrawing the charges and dismiss the accusation.
First thing, I hope the woman is okay and has a good support system. Going through something like this is hard enough as it is, but that is especially true against someone who is famous with a high powered agency. I hope she gets justice. I worry about what his fans will do to her…
I’m not exactly surprised by this. He’s known to have a dirty private life, but his fan girls shield it. He’a also getting shit for how he’s serving his public service MS, which is a big freaking deal even if by chance he’s innocent of the charges. I’d say his career is mostly over, which it really should be if he’s guilty.
“a dirty private life”? please elaborate…
well, for one he’s a member of that adult club and it’s pretty much known this isn’t the first time he’s gone that clubs like this in both Korea and China. There is more if you look hard enough. Don’t sue me.
oh well… a member of the adult club being sued by an employee of that same club does not make the club look good, does it? maybe the case has to be settled by the club and the girl got paid out… lol…
@mel. By your comments, I can tell that you are a caring person and I respect that. I am not a fan of Yoochun, but I am a fan of justice and fairness. Its interesting how people immediately seem to settle on either or. He’s guilty! She’s guilty! I don’t care if he goes to brothels. I think it would be strange for a 30 year old guy to not want sex and the company of the opposite sex(in this case) I understand the limitations placed on him by his agency, fans etc. and, I understand that women expect him to deliver a credibly romantic performance in dramas to keep whatever illusions of possibility fans may have of a real/drama moment occurring with him. Let’s face it, “we love Cinderella”. However, to be fair, we don’t know the circumstances behind Ms. Lee’s employment at an adult club. Is she our classic “Candy”?
Addressing your comments as food for thought for perspective….what I find troublesome is that the alleged incident occurred a week prior to the filing of the report. There was no hospital visit. The report was filed by her boyfriend bc “he was mad” and retracted “bc he misunderstood”. Not stated bc he wanted justice for her and dropped immediately with retractions. In an aside, if they had sufficient evidence of the crime I.e. Something happened, they wouldn’t fold so fast and take the first payout from the agency. However, if they didn’t have evidence or nothing happened, getting out quickly – denying would be best as the investigation will continue and they could be open to a defamation lawsuit. I’m just somewhat uncomfortable with the role played by the “boyfriend” and I’m not going to judge their relationship and I’m not an authority on how victims process abuse, just stating what I find odd. Also, her comments released today seemed odd..whether pressured IDK…according to the police, the matter will continue to be investigated which is the right thing to do bc if a crime was committed then consequences should be addressed by both parties. That means, if Yoochun raped her he needs to go to jail. However, if the police find that there was no rape then what? What do you think should be done? Bc it is possible isn’t It? People do lie on occasion. As women, we need to be brave and step forward and support each other in cases such as this, however, we should also step back and think about what happens to all of us if the “victim” is not treated fairly. That victim could be her, or him.
In short this guy goes for casual sex activity regardless of whether he is in the army or not. Disappointing!
I think most of them do. Actors, singers. Do people really think they’re celibate when not in relationships for prolonged periods of time? Most people aren’t (I am not saying there are no such people, it’s just that in the adult world they’re not THAT common), much less gorgeous korean actors/actresses. Imo that is.
He’s not serving in army base. He just go from his home to his office work because he’s serving as public worker.
Lol! Some of these comments are so funny! Seriously when did everyone know everything about a person only when they are accused of wrongful doings? It’s similar to when a celebrity passes away the whole world cries, this is different, all the bad news about him being member of an adult club and all… Lol where do you people get your resources? I’m so curious as to rather you just hear from someone or have actual evidence to support your claim.
I just wish all these male Korean celebrities will just go quietly and
serve their 2 years military duties. They sill have so much ahead of them in their civilian working lives when they are back from military service.
Apparently I read an article where the charges have been dropped agains Park. I’m sure the Korean celebs will now pay off the victims to prevent any negative media coverage. Possibly learning from the Park Shi Hoo incident. On a side note, PSH was popular prior to the accused sexual assault incident. After the incident, there’s reduce work and he sort of disappear from K entertainment. Anyways, wish i there were more details from the victims about what happened
I read a couple Korean articles on this incident and it looks like the victim dropped the charges BUT… and here comes the big BUT: the police will investigate nevertheless. I think it was the same with PSH? With a delict like sexual assault the police can decide to investigate no matter what.
If it’s true I hope the girl is okay and gets enough support from her family and friends.
I thought he is suppose to be serving his military duties. What is he doing in a nightclub? How fair is that to those one who actively do their military duties like Hyun bin, Song Joong ki, Jo in sung, Yoo seung ho, Changmin etc. I don’ t think it is a question of whether he did it or not but what is he doing in a nightclub while he is suppose to be on military duties. I heard Lee Min ho is another one who is trying to avoid physical military duties. They portray all these manly characters but afraid to do the real one. How embarrassing!
He’s rejected after applying for active duty because he has asthma, and at that time he already prepared his health 1 year prior to his medical check up. But still get rejected.
And if you mention Changmin TVXQ, he also kind of get bashed by netizen for serving in Police department. Which is the same department Lee Min Ho going to serve.
He has asthma and yet continue to smoke. Self inflicted injury???
I heard self inflicted injury is common in Korea to avoid Military service. Is that true?
I knew this thing with Lee Min Ho would come up again. Look, he was in a terrible accident with his friend Jung Il Woo before he became a star. He spent Six MONTHS in the hospital to recover. He might not be walking now but thankfully he is! He was not required to go into the regular military because of those wounds he received in that accident. Learn your facts before slinging dirt. It is very upsetting and no, I am not a huge fan of Lee Min Ho but the guy is not a bum. As to the topic at hand whether prostitution is okay to YOU all I find it a disgusting practice that creates horrendous crimes against women and children. I also have litt,e respect to a man who sees women in this fashion. Get a girlfriend or wife…good Lord go against your fans and grow up.
Asthma or no asthma, you should not be allowed to go to a nightclub. Well if Le Minho is really suffering from previous accident or is still injured. How did he manage to-do all his stunts in his new Chinese movie?
how cheap is this guy that he dont even pay the whore for the sex? with the money he make. it should be easy to pay her. now his career is all but over. he going need a great drama for the korea to love him again.
just imagine if he only pay the whore. all of this would never make the news.only reason the whore go to the police. is cuz he didnt pay her for the sex.
LMH is a bum for skiping his army duty. if he can do drama why not go to do public server like this guy? not like he cant see suzy if he in the public server. only reason he dont want to go is he scared. someone would snatch suzy away from him. not like he still young. he getting old so chance of him finding a girl like suzy are small now. he was lucky suzy fall for him when he was popular.
U mean prostitute bae Suzy???? Hahaha… Nation’s hotel whore!!! Her asshole must be as big as your fist mingo lmao
Hey admin , Sihoo ‘sDid you get tired of giving the name of each event?
Sihoo was cleared and Women’s lies it appeared.. still , what say? shut up ,please and don’t bring Sihoo’s name..
I started wondering about TVXQ and their breakup. It was so sad to see, I enjoyed the 5 together. Think their buddy screwed up the JYP’s chances for a smooth successful return. Heck I don’t care if he likes ladies who are labeled prositutes or not, but he ruined the image he has always portrayed to his fans. Now all we will think about are toilets and bathrooms when we see him. I am not trying to be funny, we are in an image age.
Actually, that is a good question about LMH, did he have a stunt double in his Chinese movie?