'Ignoring fan assault' Jessi: "Regretted tens of thousands of times... I will correct my mistakes now"

Posted Second Apology on SNS
"If I Could Go Back... Everything Is My Responsibility"

Singer Jessi once again expressed her apologies regarding the controversy over allegedly ignoring a fan being assaulted by an acquaintance after the fan requested a photo.

Singer Jessi is appearing at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the night of the 16th in connection with allegations of assault involving her entourage.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Jessi posted a second apology on her Instagram, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the victim and their family who were harmed by this incident," bowing her head repeatedly.

She continued, "Although this incident happened because of me, from the moment it occurred until now, my wrong actions, attitude, and lack of response have hurt many people including the victim, causing feelings of betrayal and anger," she confessed.

Earlier, in the early morning of the 29th of last month, in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a minor fan approached Jessi to request a photo but was assaulted by a male acquaintance, Mr. A. CCTV footage captured Jessi’s group trying to restrain the assailant Mr. A, but Jessi soon left the scene. This led to suspicions that Jessi ignored the fan assault by her group.

On the 12th, Jessi posted her first apology on Instagram, stating, "I was too flustered by the sudden situation to carefully consider the fan," and "I am working to ensure the perpetrator receives appropriate punishment." However, until the apology was posted, she maintained a lukewarm attitude throughout the controversy’s spread, receiving harsh public criticism.

After the assault victim filed a complaint against Jessi and three others, Jessi appeared at Gangnam Police Station on the 16th and was questioned for about six hours.

Earlier that day, Jessi posted a screenshot of a malicious comment on social media that said, "The best news is that the news of taking medicine and ×× is good news, so I will be looking forward to it," appealing with "Please stop."

Jessi said, "I have regretted thousands, tens of thousands of times. I wish I could go back to that time," and added, "If I had taken a photo with the victim, protected the victim more actively, gone straight to the police station at that moment, or properly apologized, the victim would not have suffered this much," blaming herself.

She said, "All of this is my responsibility," and "I know well that I cannot be forgiven with just a word. But even now, I will correct my mistakes and work to help the victim recover," adding, "Although it is very late, I ask for forgiveness once again. I was wrong."

As public opinion worsened, Jessi personally requested to terminate her contract with her agency. The agency DOD stated, "After careful consideration at Jessi’s request, we have decided to terminate the exclusive contract as of October 18, 2024."