"Considering Legal Action"
Refuting the Accusations
Broadcaster Park Suhong has announced plans for legal action after being accused of intimidation by CEO A of a food company.
On July 30, Park Suhong's legal representative, attorney Do Hyunsoo (Law Firm Lin), released a statement saying, "Park Suhong learned through media reports that CEO A filed a complaint against him for intimidation," and added, "He has not yet received the complaint, and it appears to be a media play targeting his celebrity image."
Recently, CEO A filed a complaint against Park Suhong for intimidation at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul. According to the complaint, Park Suhong's legal representative, attorney B, allegedly demanded an apology from CEO A in a coercive manner just before filing a lawsuit for agreed payment in June 2023, saying, "You should beg for forgiveness as if you committed a mortal sin," and "You should get on your knees and say, 'Please spare me.'" CEO A regarded these remarks as intimidation. CEO A claimed that these statements were made under Park Suhong's instruction and, instead of suing the attorney who actually made the remarks, filed the complaint against Park Suhong himself.
Park Suhong and CEO A are currently engaged in a civil lawsuit over the payment of advertising model fees. In September 2023, Park Suhong's side filed a claim for approximately 500 million won in agreed payment, arguing that CEO A's company used Park Suhong's image in advertisements for over a year without a contract. The case is being heard at the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court. The court recommended a settlement in which part of the model fee would be paid, but CEO A did not accept this recommendation.
Park Suhong's side argued, "The allegedly intimidating remarks were made by the legal representative, not by Park Suhong himself, and Park Suhong is not involved." They further stated, "Filing a complaint against Park Suhong, who is not the actor, could constitute false accusation." They added, "CEO A's decision to file a criminal complaint nearly two years after the initial lawsuit appears to be an attempt to defame Park Suhong, and we are considering legal action."
The police are expected to summon both Park Suhong and CEO A soon to investigate the facts of the case.
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