Kim Najung Issues Statement Through Legal Representative
"Ingested Drugs in Incapacitated State in the Philippines"
"Video Evidence Remains on Mobile Phone"
Broadcaster Kim Najung (32), a former freelance announcer, tested positive in a drug test and stated that she was "forcibly made to inhale drugs."
Broadcaster Kim Najung (32), a former announcer, who has been embroiled in a drug use controversy, claimed that she was forcibly made to inhale drugs in the Philippines. [Source=Kim Najung Instagram]
On the 18th, Chosun.com reported a statement written by Kim Najung through her legal representative, lawyer Kim Yeon-gi (Chungjeong Law Firm). According to the statement, she claimed, "I went to the Philippines to promote beauty products and launch my own underwear brand, where I met a young businessman, Mr. A. The so-called 'sponsor' rumors circulating are not true." Kim Najung's side explained, "While somewhat intoxicated from drinking, for unknown reasons, Mr. A tied my hands and blindfolded me," adding, "During this process, Mr. A made me inhale smoke, and when I tried to avoid it, he used something like a 'tube' to forcibly make me inhale the smoke." It is known that a video capturing this scene remains on her mobile phone.
They continued, "Fearing that if Mr. A filmed this video on his own phone it could cause problems later, it appears he filmed it on Kim Najung's phone and then transferred the video via AirDrop (iPhone wireless file sharing) or other methods to keep it," explaining, "This video can prove that Kim Najung was in a state unable to resist." Furthermore, "Before forcibly making Kim Najung inhale the drugs in question, Mr. A showed a gun and said something to the effect of 'I can easily kill people,'" adding, "There is no separate evidence to prove this, but during the police investigation, Kim Najung confirmed that Mr. A is wanted for multiple crimes and currently cannot return to Korea."
Regarding the post Kim Najung uploaded on social media before returning to Korea, it was stated, "She made a video call requesting police protection, during which someone appearing to be related to Mr. A called him and recorded a video tracking Kim Najung," and "Kim Najung confessed to drug use to urgently request rescue, not to admit voluntary drug use." Afterwards, Mr. A sent Telegram messages threatening Kim Najung's life and demanding information about the police investigation, and the police reportedly provided Kim Najung with a smartwatch for victims.
However, lawyer Kim said, "She was unable to submit other evidence, including the victim video, to the investigative authorities, and as a result, some statements that differ from the facts were made," adding, "Kim Najung was reluctant to reveal Mr. A’s identity out of fear that he would carry out his threats." Finally, he added, "Since Kim Najung is the victim, she intends to correct this in the subsequent procedures. Please refrain from other speculations about Kim Najung and support her."
Earlier, on the 12th, Kim Najung stirred controversy by posting on her SNS, "I confess to using drugs in the Philippines," and "I feel like I’m going to die and can’t board the plane," expressing unclear intentions. She was investigated for about two hours immediately after returning, and a rapid drug test showed a positive result for methamphetamine.
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