[Urgent Diagnosis] Lee Soon-jae's 'Gapjil Allegations' Spread Widely... Past 'Idol' Remarks Also Recalled... Website Even Down

Actor Lee Soon-jae's Wife Accused of Power Abuse Including 'Garbage Sorting' Demands to Manager
Lee Soon-jae Says "Will Hold a Press Conference to Explain"...Past 'Idol' Remarks on a Broadcast Resurface
'Lee Soon-jae Homepage' Also Inaccessible, Down

Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae (85) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae (85), who has been embroiled in controversy over allegations that his wife engaged in 'gapjil' (abuse of power) against a former manager, has strongly denied the accusations. Meanwhile, remarks he made in the past while serving as the principal of an idol training TV program have resurfaced.

At the time, Lee Soon-jae told the teenage female students appearing on the show that they were "pure and beautiful girls" and that they would be "raised to become excellent wives and mothers," drawing criticism for making inappropriate comments when the focus should have been on idol expertise such as singing and dancing skills.

With the 'gapjil' controversy overlapping with past verbal missteps, Lee Soon-jae's official website has been inaccessible as of 10 a.m. on the 30th, presumably due to protests from netizens.

Some argue that as a nationally beloved actor, Lee Soon-jae should promptly hold a press conference to clarify and refute the manager abuse allegations, as the scandal could leave a significant stain on his entire acting career.

On the afternoon of the 29th, SBS TV's '8 O'Clock News' reported that Kim, a former manager of the veteran actor, claimed he lived like a servant under the actor A for two months before being unfairly dismissed. A was identified as actor Lee Soon-jae. Following the broadcast, Lee Soon-jae denied the report in an interview with a media outlet, stating he would hold a press conference to explain.

According to the report, Kim expressed frustration in an interview with 'SBS 8 News,' saying, "I was hired as a manager to manage the actor's schedule and assist with transportation, but for two months I lived like a servant, taking care of even the actor's family's chores."

He alleged that he performed tasks unrelated to management duties, such as sorting garbage and carrying water bottles. He said, "Since I respected the person, I hesitated to voice my difficulties, but I was unfairly dismissed."

Photo by SBS, captured from 'SBS 8 News'

According to Kim, he only had five days off, including weekends, during the two months. He worked over 55 hours per week on average but received no vacation or overtime pay. His monthly salary was only 1.8 million won.

Kim also requested the company to enroll him in the four major social insurances, but the company scolded him, saying, "You made such a request to Lee Soon-jae, who is not directly employed by us."

Because of this, Kim claimed he was ultimately fired after just two months on the job. Kim's side said it was difficult to confront the company based on a labor contract because no contract was signed.

As the 'gapjil' scandal continued, actor Lee Soon-jae told Sports Chosun on the 30th that the reports were "excessively exaggerated and biased." He emphasized, "During the approximately two months of work, my wife asked him to do personal errands about three times, and after learning this, I warned my wife. I also apologized to Kim for that part."

Photo by SBS, captured from 'SBS 8 News'

Lee Soon-jae also said, "The report used the term 'servant life,' which is absurd." He added, "I am in my mid-80s and have been in the industry for over 60 years. In today's world, are you saying I treated my manager like a servant?"

He further stated, "Kim once confided in me about the four major insurances and wage issues, but all matters regarding the manager's employment and treatment are handled by the academy, so I told him to 'listen to what Kim has to say' to the academy. If there are any mistakes, I can apologize, but I will hold a press conference on July 2 to clarify the exaggerated parts."

Actor Lee Soon-jae (center). Contestants of Mnet's 'Idol School' are taking a commemorative photo. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As the so-called 'Lee Soon-jae gapjil' scandal continues to spread, his past controversial remarks are also being recalled among the public.

On the morning of July 12, 2017, at the Mnet cable channel's 'Idol School' production presentation held at the Grand Ballroom of the 63 Convention Center in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, Lee Soon-jae, serving as the principal, said, "Pure and beautiful girls have come here with big dreams and after fierce competition. Now they must face even fiercer competition."

He added, "We must think not only about the girls' present but also their future because after a certain period, they will get married and become wives and mothers." He continued, "Even after retirement, we must support them to proudly fulfill their roles as excellent wives and mothers. What I can do is provide training based on confidence and character."

Actor Lee Soon-jae's website is inaccessible. Photo by the respective site capture

At the time, netizens criticized these remarks in article comments, saying, "This is a program specializing in idol training. Talking about wives and mothers seems inappropriate," "Many women reject the roles of wife and mother," and "It seems to impose social norms on women."

In response, Lee Soon-jae told a media outlet, "'Idol School' is not an event hosted by a private organization but a broadcast. Everything in broadcasting must be fair. It is the duty of broadcasting to eliminate bad practices. The name 'school' was given to mean nurturing entertainers and idols."

Meanwhile, as the 'gapjil' scandal continues, Lee Soon-jae's official website containing his information is currently inaccessible.