Lawyer for Gi Seong-yong Sexual Assault Victim Urges "Gi Seong-yong to File Lawsuit Quickly"

Ki Sung-yong is holding a press conference after the K League 1 opening match between Seoul and Jeonbuk held at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on February 27, addressing allegations of sexual violence against junior students during his elementary school years. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jumi Lee] The 'Sexual assault allegations against Ki Sung-yong during elementary school' case appears likely to lead to a legal battle. As Ki Sung-yong announced his intention to take legal action, the lawyer representing the accusers claiming sexual assault urged that the truth be revealed in court rather than in public opinion.

On the 1st, Park Ji-hoon, the lawyer for the accusers, stated in a press release, "As legal representatives of the victims, we propose to stop the exhausting public debate and promptly clarify the truth in court," adding, "We respectfully request that Ki Sung-yong file civil and criminal lawsuits against the victims as soon as possible."

He continued, "What the victims wanted was a sincere word from Ki Sung-yong," and emphasized, "However, Ki Sung-yong completely denied the facts claimed by the victims through the media and repeatedly stated that he would take all possible legal measures, including criminal complaints."

He further asserted, "The victims hope that Ki Sung-yong will quickly file civil and criminal lawsuits for the swift resolution of this matter," and "The truth of this case can and must be revealed in court, not through public trials."

Ki Sung-yong held a press conference after the official opening match of the 2021 Hana One Q K League 1 between Seoul and Jeonbuk at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on the 27th of last month, where he completely denied the sexual assault allegations.

Ki Sung-yong said, "This matter is unrelated to me, and I have never done such a thing," and "I absolutely cannot acknowledge any of the claims made by those raising the sexual assault allegations."

He expressed, "If there is evidence, I hope it is presented quickly," and "I do not understand why they avoid presenting evidence and instead try to sway public opinion with other stories."

He also stated, "There are many people who can testify about the situation at that time," and "I do not know what purpose they have, but they must clearly reveal the reason. There will be no mercy going forward. I will take all legal measures."

Earlier, on the 24th of last month, lawyer Park released a statement revealing, "C and D were sexually assaulted dozens of times by seniors A and B during their time in the elementary school soccer club in Jeonnam." According to the statement, C and D, who were fifth graders at the time, were forced to engage in sexual acts by seniors A and B, who were one year ahead. Subsequently, suspicions arose that player A might be Ki Sung-yong, but Ki Sung-yong's side completely denied the allegations and announced a strong response.