[Full Text] Lee Soon-jae "I Acknowledge the Claims Made by My Former Manager... Sincerely Apologize"

Actor Lee Soon-jae. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Actor Lee Soon-jae has issued an apology regarding allegations of manager power abuse and unfair dismissal controversies.

On the 5th, Lee Soon-jae stated through his agency SGW Entertainment, "I sincerely apologize to all the fans who have trusted and supported me for the unfortunate controversy surrounding the treatment of my former manager."

He continued, "I am deeply ashamed and sorry for failing to set a good example to my fellow actors and especially to aspiring actors and students who are learning acting with dreams of becoming actors. Although the agency has already released an official statement, as an actor who has lived receiving the love of the public for a long time, I felt it was my duty to clearly express my apology, which is why I am writing this."

He further explained, "Regarding the series of incidents, I humbly admit that it was a fault of moral failing, forgetting my long-held principle of being strict with myself and respectful to others. On this matter, I spoke with my former manager last Friday, listened to his story thoroughly, empathized with him, and apologized." He added, "The claims made by the former manager to the media are true, and I sincerely apologize to him."

Lee Soon-jae stated, "It was wrong that family matters and work were not separated, and I will ensure that such incidents never happen again. I have also requested the agency head to make sure that any incoming manager, regardless of probation period or type of work, is provided with the four major social insurances unconditionally."

He also said, "I understand that there is public criticism against the former manager through comments and other means, but I have heard that the former manager is struggling because of this issue and that even his family is experiencing psychological difficulties. What is most important now is to heal and encourage the former manager from the disappointment and wounds he has suffered, and it is absolutely not right to blame him for this situation." He urged, "This incident happened entirely because of me, and I ask that people stop blaming the former manager."

Lee Soon-jae added, "Through this incident, I have come to understand well the difficulties faced by managers and industry workers who work with me. As someone who has lived as an actor for eighty years, I deeply reflect in pain on my failure to fully appreciate their hardships." He apologized once again.

Finally, Lee Soon-jae said, "For the rest of my life, I will live a life of contemplation and action on what I can do for the rights and interests of those in the industry I belong to. Furthermore, I will become an actor who can help and encourage those facing similar difficulties."

Earlier, Lee Soon-jae’s former manager Mr. A claimed that during the two months he worked as Lee Soon-jae’s manager, Lee’s wife made him do various family chores such as sorting garbage and repairing shoes. He also stated that his wages and treatment were poor, and when he raised these issues, he was unfairly dismissed, causing a stir.

Below is the full statement from Lee Soon-jae

This is actor Lee Soon-jae.

I sincerely apologize to all the fans who have trusted and supported me for the unfortunate controversy surrounding the treatment of my former manager. I am also deeply ashamed and sorry for failing to set a good example to my fellow actors and especially to aspiring actors and students who are learning acting with dreams of becoming actors. Although the agency has already released an official statement, as an actor who has lived receiving the love of the public for a long time, I felt it was my duty to clearly express my apology, which is why I am writing this.

Regarding the series of incidents, I humbly admit that it was a fault of moral failing, forgetting my long-held principle of being strict with myself and respectful to others. On this matter, I spoke with my former manager last Friday, listened to his story thoroughly, empathized with him, and apologized. The claims made by the former manager to the media are true, and I sincerely apologize to him.

It was wrong that family matters and work were not separated, and I will ensure that such incidents never happen again. I have also requested the agency head to make sure that any incoming manager, regardless of probation period or type of work, is provided with the four major social insurances unconditionally.

Also, I understand that there is public criticism against the former manager through comments and other means, but I have heard that the former manager is struggling because of this issue and that even his family is experiencing psychological difficulties. What is most important now is to heal and encourage the former manager from the disappointment and wounds he has suffered, and it is absolutely not right to blame him for this situation. This incident happened entirely because of me, and I ask that people stop blaming the former manager.

Through this incident, I have come to understand well the difficulties faced by managers and industry workers who work with me. As someone who has lived as an actor for eighty years, I deeply reflect in pain on my failure to fully appreciate their hardships. For the rest of my life, I will live a life of contemplation and action on what I can do for the rights and interests of those in the industry I belong to. Furthermore, I will become an actor who can help and encourage those facing similar difficulties.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Actor Lee Soon-jae