"Just haven't had a wedding, but living together"
"If we broke up over this, we probably never liked each other"
"Lived 60 years, but this is the first time the world feels scary"
Singer Kim Gun-mo and Jang Ji-yeon, who are legally married, along with Jang's parents, singer and composer Jang Uk-jo and his spouse, are posing before an interview in Yeouido last November. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Composer Jang Ukjo, the father-in-law of singer Kim Gunmo, and his wife have expressed their feelings regarding the sexual assault allegations against Kim Gunmo.
On the 21st, according to Women Chosun, Jang Ukjo's wife said about the sexual assault allegations against Kim Gunmo, "What could we say when we feel so frustrated? The reports keep getting distorted and negative stories are added... Right now, no matter what we say, it won't help. I am very scared of the world. I've lived for over 60 years, but this is the first time I've been scared of the world," she said.
Regarding their daughter Jang Jiyeon's recent status, she said, "She has already moved into the newlywed home. Since she helps with Gunmo's schedule, she comes and goes late at night, which seemed dangerous, so since the in-laws have also registered the marriage, we told her to move in. They just didn't have a wedding ceremony but live together. They get along well. If they were going to break up quickly because of this, they wouldn't have liked each other in the first place," she said.
The media reported that Jang Ukjo sighed repeatedly with a stern expression during the interview.
Singer Kim Gun-mo, who is accused of sexual assault, is answering questions from reporters after leaving Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the afternoon of the 15th, following his suspect investigation. Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, recently, a junior singer A revealed that they were sexually harassed by Kim Gunmo in the past.
On the 19th, A claimed on their Twitter that Kim Gunmo made sexual jokes at a drinking party, saying things like "Can't friends even kiss?" and "It feels like dealing with a community center employee who can't kiss in front of others."
Regarding the reason for exposing Kim Gunmo, they emphasized, "What I hope for is that at least the people around me are not exploited, and that those who are punished are definitely punished," adding, "He is someone who jokes about 'being careful with Me Too.' But I remember, and I will not forget."
In response, Kim Gunmo's agency Geoneum Planning told a media outlet, "We will not make a statement as it might harm a junior we care about."
Previously, in December last year, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute raised allegations that Kim Gunmo sexually assaulted employee B at a nightlife establishment in August 2016 and also assaulted female manager C at a nightlife establishment in January 2007.
Subsequently, lawyer Kang Yongseok filed a sexual assault complaint against Kim Gunmo on behalf of B. Kim Gunmo's side denied all sexual assault allegations and filed a countersuit.
Kim Gunmo appeared as a suspect at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the 15th and was investigated for about 12 hours. It is known that Kim Gunmo admitted to visiting the bar but completely denied the sexual assault charges.
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