Following Kim Gun-mo, Wife Jang Ji-yeon Also Addresses Rumors... Father- and Mother-in-Law Interviewed
Singer Kim Gun-mo, who is accused of sexual assault, is answering questions from reporters after leaving the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the afternoon of the 15th, following his suspect investigation. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' (Gaseyeon), featuring Kang Yong-seok, is expected to cause a stir by claiming that pianist Jang Ji-yeon, wife of singer Kim Gun-mo, lived together before marriage. Kim Gun-mo's side has announced strong legal action.
On the 21st, Ten Asia reported that Gaseyeon revealed at a lecture held on the 18th at Daegu EXCO Auditorium that "Jang Ji-yeon, Kim Gun-mo's wife, had a complicated romantic history before marriage."
According to the report, former entertainment reporter Kim Yong-ho of Gaseyeon hinted at Jang Ji-yeon and claimed, "I heard she dated actor Lee Byung-hun in the past and even lived together. She even visited him while he was filming abroad."
He added, "After investigating the industry, I found out her (relationships with men) were well-known," and "She used to brag a lot about dating Lee Byung-hun."
Former MBC reporter Kim Se-eui sang a line from singer Jo Sung-mo's song 'Do You Know?' saying, "Many people who know would be aware," hinting at another figure.
Earlier, on December 6, Gaseyeon raised allegations of sexual assault against Kim Gun-mo. Attorney Kang stated in a video titled '[Shocking Exclusive] Kim Gun-mo Sexual Assault Allegations' that he received a tip that Kim allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a certain entertainment venue located in Gangnam, Seoul. The broadcast featured Media Watch representative advisor Byun Hee-jae and former MBC reporter Kim Se-eui.
Attorney Kang said, "Ms. A, who was sexually assaulted by Kim Gun-mo, contacted me directly via email. I met her twice and heard the related facts for over two hours," adding, "Ms. A plans to file a complaint against Kim Gun-mo on the 9th."
Subsequently, Attorney Kang filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on December 9, requesting an investigation into Kim Gun-mo on charges of rape on behalf of Ms. A. Later, Kim Gun-mo appeared at the police station on the 15th, underwent a 12-hour investigation, and apologized to the public, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people," and expressed hope that the truth would be revealed soon.
Meanwhile, Kim Gun-mo is facing allegations of assault against a woman in addition to the sexual assault accusations.
Gaseyeon released interviews with Ms. B, who claims she was assaulted by Kim Gun-mo 12 years ago, suffering orbital and nasal bone fractures, causing a major uproar. Additionally, testimony from Ms. C, who witnessed the violence against Ms. B, was also disclosed.
Kim Gun-mo is also accused of another sexual harassment incident. On the 19th, singer D revealed on her SNS that Kim Gun-mo sexually harassed her by telling her to wear a controversial Batman T-shirt and made remarks such as "Can't friends even kiss?" and "You act like a community center worker because you can't kiss in front of me," fueling the so-called 'Kim Gun-mo sex scandal' that continues to unfold.
Amid the growing sex scandal, Jang Uk-jo, Kim Gun-mo's father-in-law and Jang Ji-yeon's father, opened up about his difficult feelings in an interview with Women Chosun on the 19th.
Jang Uk-jo and his wife said, "What could we say when we feel frustrated? The reports keep getting distorted and negative stories are added," and "No matter what we say now, it won't help. I am very scared of the world. I've lived over 60 years, but this is the first time I've been scared of the world," expressing their distress.
Jang Uk-jo's wife added, "Since I help with Gun-mo's schedule, he comes home late at night, and it seemed dangerous, so since the in-laws had registered the marriage, I told them to come in. They just didn't have a wedding ceremony but live together. They get along well. If they were going to break up quickly over this, they wouldn't have liked each other in the first place," emphasizing the strong relationship between the two.
As the controversy spreads, Kim Gun-mo's side, which initially refrained from responding, actively countered on the 13th of last month by filing a countersuit against Ms. A for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and false accusation. During the police investigation on the 15th, Kim stated that although he had visited entertainment establishments, he never met Ms. A in person.
Meanwhile, Kim Gun-mo's agency, Geon-eum Planning, regarding the controversy involving his wife Jang Ji-yeon, stated, "We are currently searching for the recording of the lecture where the remarks were made," adding, "It is absolutely unacceptable to attack the family by bringing up unverified male relationships unrelated to the marriage. We will take legal action against the public ridicule of unconfirmed stories."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
