"Claiming to Be a Private Investigator Boss, Accessed Telegram
Deceived as if Kim Ung Was the Mastermind Behind Actions Targeting Sohn Seok-hee's Family"
Sohn Seok-hee / Photo by JTBC, captured from 'Newsroom' broadcast screen
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Son Seok-hee, CEO of JTBC, issued a statement on the 25th, revealing that he was deceived by Jo Joo-bin (24), the operator of the 'Telegram Doctor's Room,' and complied with Jo's demands for money. Jo reportedly lied that he had been instructed by freelance reporter Kim Woong, who is in conflict with Son, to harm Son and his family.
JTBC stated that "Jo Joo-bin initially approached CEO Son through Telegram, claiming to be the head of a private investigation agency," and "he deceived Son by saying that Mr. K (Kim Woong), who is in conflict with Son, was looking for someone to carry out harmful acts and had approached him for that purpose." They added, "Jo presented manipulated Telegram messages that made it appear as if he had direct conversations with Mr. K. The content was so sophisticated and meticulously fabricated that even the investigating police believed it to be genuine."
JTBC explained, "Because of this, CEO Son and his family were filled with anxiety," but "Son found it hard to believe that Mr. K would do such a thing despite their conflict and said, 'If this is true, provide evidence such as bank account records.' Jo then demanded money." Son reluctantly complied to secure evidence, but Jo did not provide the requested proof and disappeared before being arrested.
Regarding why he did not report to the authorities, Son said, "Even if the person intending harm was not Mr. K, if such a person actually existed, I thought that reporting Jo Joo-bin might lead to another person being sought as an agent, so I was very cautious and delayed reporting. If someone was truly trying to harm my family, it would not be enough to report only Jo Joo-bin."
He added, "We learned through the police after Jo's arrest that the person who approached us claiming to be the head of a private investigation agency was Jo Joo-bin." JTBC stated, "We understand and support the position of CEO Son and his family and will actively support future responses."
Jo, upon leaving Jongno Police Station in Seoul that morning, said, "I sincerely apologize to CEO Son Seok-hee, Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun, reporter Kim Woong, and all others I have harmed," drawing attention to the background of the case.
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