Director and actor Yang Ik-june / Korea Instances photograph by Woo Da-bin
Director and actor Yang Ik-june has denied allegations that he assaulted a junior colleague, pushing again in opposition to claims made in interviews describing the incident.
Yang, who revealed that he’s affected by panic dysfunction, held a press convention on Wednesday at a restaurant in Seongbuk District, Seoul, the identical location the place the alleged incident befell.
Based on police, Yang is accused of putting the colleague, a movie crew member, a number of occasions on the pinnacle with a wad of paper and verbally abusing him at a bar he operates in December final yr. Following the allegations, Seoul Seongbuk police booked Yang for assault.
Yang, nonetheless, maintained he is harmless, beforehand saying at a press occasion for his movie „Confession“ that he was merely having a pleasant dialog with the colleague.
On the press convention, Yang expressed frustration over how the case has unfolded. „[My junior colleague’s] statements preserve popping out within the media, whereas my response on the ‚Confession‘ press occasion was restricted to some traces,“ he mentioned. „[My junior colleague] has distorted details in his statements to the police, media and prosecutors. This cafe is the place I work, and I’ve an obligation to make clear my place.“
Yang claimed that he had already reconciled with the colleague by mediation.
„I took duty and sought reconciliation, believing it was the appropriate factor to do. The colleague signed a settlement settlement however refuses to withdraw the case and insists on taking it to trial.“
Yang mentioned that media experiences labeling him as an assailant had severely impacted his psychological state. „Articles stored popping out saying I assaulted a junior colleague. It felt like I used to be dropping my thoughts. Over the previous three weeks, I’ve realized lots. Even after we reconciled, He stored making calls for. I had no selection however to reply,“ Yang mentioned. „If I’ve dedicated against the law, I’ll take duty. However I cannot be manipulated by his intentions.“
Particulars of the alleged incident
Yang mentioned that he met the person in 2023 by a small unbiased movie group consisting of seven members. He mentioned he later supplied the colleague a educating place after studying of his monetary struggles and even lent him 450,000 received ($310).
Director and actor Yang Ik-june / Korea Instances photograph by Woo Da-bin
The alleged assault befell in December final yr once they met once more at Yang’s bar, with about 9 individuals current.
Yang insisted that the venue was cramped and that he merely tapped the colleague’s head calmly with a small memo pad of about 15 pages, contradicting the person’s declare that it was a stack of 30 A4-sized sheets.
Three days later, the person known as Yang late at evening, shouting, „Why did you hit me? I really feel humiliated!“ Yang mentioned, „I used to be terrified. I apologized instantly as a result of I didn’t need any battle.“
Yang mentioned he later acquired a police summons whereas in Japan. „I had no thought what was taking place. Then I noticed the information. The media reported that I hit him a number of occasions and verbally abused him. It was absurd.“
Based on Yang, a mutual acquaintance mediated between the 2 events in February. The colleague initially expressed willingness to drop the costs in trade for Yang admitting to hitting him with paper in the course of the prosecution’s investigation. His settlement proposal additionally included a requirement for Yang to apologize for defaming him throughout a press occasion.
Yang initially rejected the phrases however later met with him once more on Feb. 18. „We met with smiles, however then he warned me to organize for trial,“ Yang mentioned. „I used to be shocked. He mentioned that settlements and investigations are separate issues. It grew to become clear that this case was not going to finish simply.“
Yang expressed frustration over the scenario, saying that he had „already apologized and reconciled“ with the colleague. „I even apologized throughout our final assembly. However I can’t perceive what is going on now. If the court docket finds me responsible regardless of my testimony, I’ll settle for the punishment. However I can’t settle for this example. He retains twisting my phrases, implying that issues may escalate additional.“
Yang debuted as an actor with the 2002 movie „No Manners“ and gained recognition as a director with the 2009 movie „Breathless.“ He has since appeared in dramas akin to „It’s Okay, That’s Love,“ „Queen of Thriller,“ „Dangerous Guys“ and „Hellbound.“ In February, he greeted audiences with the Japanese movie „Confession.“
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Instances.
