[Exclusive] Lee Soon-jae "Leaving Drama? NO, Agency CEO Will Clarify Position" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] "The agency representative will definitely clarify their position through a press conference. (Omitted) If I am legally responsible, it would be right for me to step down from the drama..."

Actor Lee Soon-jae apologized for having moral responsibility regarding the allegations of power abuse raised by his former manager Mr. Kim, and stated his intention to appear in the drama as scheduled.

On the afternoon of the 30th, Lee Soon-jae spoke in a phone interview with our outlet about the allegations of power abuse raised by his former manager Mr. Kim, who worked with him from March until recently, in an interview with SBS '8 News.'

On that day, Lee Soon-jae said, "Before the report, I met with Mr. Kim, listened to his story, and apologized saying 'I am sorry' and 'It won't happen again.' It seems that was not enough for him," adding, "I never imagined he would record the conversation."

Mr. Kim claimed that his wife was made to do chores such as separating garbage, carrying delivered water bottles, and shoe repairs. Lee Soon-jae said, "I plan to apologize to Mr. Kim again. Anyway, my grandmother (wife) is old, so she might have asked for various errands. During that process, unpleasant words might have been said," and added, "After hearing Mr. Kim's story, I told my wife that it was wrong behavior and to apologize and not to do it again. This is not the era for that."

Regarding the issue of Mr. Kim's treatment, Lee Soon-jae drew a line, saying it was a matter between Mr. Kim and the agency. Mr. Kim said that as a probationary employee, he worked over 55 hours on average including weekends with only five days off in two months without a labor contract, and did not receive holiday or weekend pay, with a basic salary of 1.8 million won. He requested the company to enroll him in the four major social insurances but was instead reprimanded. Mr. Kim reported the labor issues to the Labor Office.

"I am not the one paying the wages. The company hired and sent the manager to me. I have never been involved in the hiring process. I am also a salaried worker. I conveyed this position to Mr. Kim as well. There has been no legal ruling yet. Once a ruling is made, I think the company should comply with the instructions."

Regarding the July 2 press conference, Lee Soon-jae said, "The agency representative plans to clearly convey their position through the press conference." He continued, "My physical condition has worsened, so I am not sure if I can attend. I am considering whether it is appropriate to gather reporters and talk amid the COVID-19 situation. I will observe the situation and if it becomes difficult, I plan to deliver my position in writing."

On the night of the 30th, SBS '8 News' reported in a follow-up that "There is evidence that errands ordered by Lee Soon-jae's wife were a daily routine, but it was not reported," adding, "The point was to highlight structural problems, so listing additional cases is meaningless." Lee Soon-jae expressed, "I feel moral responsibility," and "I hope this incident will lead to the resolution of unfair treatment of managers."

Lee Soon-jae stated his intention to appear as scheduled in KBS2's new drama 'Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.' He said, "Filming has not started yet," and added, "I hope Mr. Kim's feelings can be resolved well through me. If there are conditions needed to ease his mind, I hope he will let me know."

He continued, "If fundamentally I am at fault and that is determined in court, then it would be right for me to quit the drama," and said, "Acting has been a lifeline I have carried throughout my life. Surely there is no other intention. At that time, I will have no choice but to rely on the law, but before that, I want us to meet and resolve this well."