'Sexual Assault Allegation' High School Rapper Kang Hyun, Controversy Over Verbal Dispute With Sexual Assault Victim

Kang Hyun, who appeared on Mnet's hip-hop competition program 'High School Rapper 4' / Photo by 'High School Rapper 4' broadcast video capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Rapper Kang Hyun, who withdrew from Mnet's 'High School Rapper 4' amid sexual assault controversy, is embroiled in further controversy after engaging in a verbal dispute with the victim.

On the 20th, Kang Hyun posted on his social media (SNS), "There are parts that are not true, so I want to clarify my position. I have never been fined 2 million won," and added, "I have many faults, but I also have many grievances."

He continued, "I am very cautious about discussing what happened that day as it could cause further harm to the other party," but also stated, "However, I can clearly clarify what is not true. I apologize to many people for causing trouble."

Kang Hyun's Apology / Photo by Kang Hyun SNS Capture

The post received a direct comment from the victim, Ms. A.

Ms. A said, "I thought the 2 million won was a fine, but it was a settlement, and I heard that a juvenile protection order No. 2 was issued," adding, "Whether it was a fine or a settlement, the incident is a sexual assault, and it is upsetting that the perpetrator appears on TV."

She further wrote, "Even though you are not particularly famous, if you appear on TV, I hope you consider how it would affect me and my family. I sincerely ask for a heartfelt apology."

In response, Kang Hyun directly replied to Ms. A's comment, saying, "This post is not an apology to you (Ms. A) but to the viewers," and added, "To be frank, it was under our agreement, and do you want me to disclose the details?"

When Ms. A countered, "I never agreed, and even if our parents reached an agreement, you never spoke to me afterward," and "You appeared on TV without resolving the situation with me, closing your eyes and ears," Kang Hyun retorted, "If you want, you can say it. If you tell me to post (the facts), I will post them right now."

Netizens who witnessed the verbal dispute between the two reacted with comments such as, "He caused controversy, withdrew, and was completely edited out, yet he keeps making excuses," and "Regardless of the facts, it is uncomfortable to watch."

Earlier on the 20th, Mnet stated, "We apologize for the controversy caused by 'High School Rapper 4' contestant Kang Hyun and have accepted his withdrawal," adding, "We held several in-depth meetings with the contestants before the broadcast, but we did not hear about this issue during that process. We will edit out all footage related to Kang Hyun."