[Exclusive] Lee Soon-jae "Former Manager Secretly Recorded Conversations with Me and My Wife... Will Take Legal Action if Intentions Are Malicious" (Interview)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] Actor Lee Soon-jae has stated that if there is any ulterior motive behind the abuse allegations made by his former manager Kim, he will take legal action.

On the afternoon of the 30th, Lee Soon-jae candidly shared his thoughts in an interview with this publication. He said, "I was shocked to learn that Kim secretly recorded conversations between me and my wife," adding, "Since I was unaware, I certainly never consented to it."

Kim, who worked as Lee Soon-jae's manager from March until recently, revealed in an interview with SBS's '8 News' on the 29th that he was fired after expressing dissatisfaction with enduring abuse. Kim claimed that the wife of the famous veteran actor (Lee Soon-jae) made him do household chores such as sorting garbage, carrying delivered water bottles, and repairing shoes.

Regarding this, Lee Soon-jae told this publication, "I intend to apologize to Kim. Anyway, my wife, being elderly, might have asked him to run various errands. During that process, she might have said things that were unpleasant to hear," and added, "Previous managers were treated like family and helped well, but none of them ever voiced complaints. I still keep in touch and get along well with my former managers. Perhaps Kim, being older, felt somewhat uncomfortable with such behavior."

Lee Soon-jae continued, "I told my wife that treating him that way was wrong and that she should apologize and never do it again. This is not the era for such behavior."

Earlier, Kim also raised issues about his treatment. He said that despite working over 55 hours on average, including weekends, with only five days off in two months and no written labor contract, he received no holiday or weekend pay, and his base salary was only 1.8 million won. He requested the company to enroll him in the four major social insurances but was instead reprimanded. Ultimately, Kim claimed he was fired after about two months of work.

Lee Soon-jae said, "I am not the one paying the wages. The company hires the manager and sends him to me. I have never been involved in the hiring process. I am also a salaried employee. I conveyed this position to Kim," adding, "The labor dispute has not yet been legally decided. Once a ruling is made, I think we should comply with the instructions."

Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae / Photo by Asia Economy DB

Before SBS's report, Lee Soon-jae met with Kim and said, "I met him, listened to his story, and apologized, saying 'I am sorry' and 'This will never happen again.' But it seems that was not enough for him," adding, "I never imagined he would record the conversations and had no idea. He did not notify me beforehand. Later, I found out he even recorded conversations with my wife. I wonder if he recorded from the start to gain something. Who would think someone would record private conversations?"

He explained, "The recordings aired on SBS are only a part. Many things were said but omitted, so I stated that it was a distorted and biased report."

Regarding the somewhat conflicting reports about holding a press conference on July 2, Lee Soon-jae said, "My physical condition has worsened. Also, considering the COVID-19 situation, I am contemplating whether it is appropriate to gather reporters and speak. I will observe the situation and if it becomes difficult, I plan to deliver my statement in writing," adding, "The agency representative definitely plans to convey their position through the press conference."

Lee Soon-jae said, "If I do hold a press conference, I do not intend to make excuses. I plan to express my apologies for causing concern to many people and say that I feel sorry for Kim," adding, "If there are any conditions that could ease his mind, I hope he will tell me. I want to compensate within what is possible."

When asked about the upcoming KBS2 new drama 'Dodo Sol Sol La La Sol,' Lee Soon-jae showed a cautious attitude.

"Fundamentally, if I am at fault and it is determined in court, it would be right for me to quit the drama. I hope Kim’s feelings are resolved well through me, but if he has other intentions, it is regrettable. I heard that Kim told my wife that if this matter is reported, I will not be able to continue my activities. Hearing that, I thought, 'He is concerned about me,' but now I think there might be ulterior motives. Acting has been a lifeline I have carried throughout my life. If there is another intention, then I will have no choice but to rely on the law. Of course, for now, I hope to resolve this well at an earlier stage and will make efforts to do so."