Indie band Sanghyun Na Band's agency, January, has stated that the recent allegations of vocalist Sanghyun Na's sexual harassment while intoxicated are groundless.
On June 2, January announced via its official social networking service (SNS), "We have confirmed that the actions mentioned in the post are not true." The agency explained that while Sanghyun Na's post on his personal account at the time may have appeared to acknowledge the incident, it was actually a proactive apology made immediately after the controversy arose, based on a sense of moral responsibility.
January further stated, "The time frame mentioned by the artist was meant to describe a period when he was reflecting on and improving his lifestyle as his alcohol consumption increased." The agency added, "We realized only later that the post, which was uploaded without sufficient explanation, could have led to misunderstandings about the facts. We apologize to fans and those involved for any confusion caused." They also acknowledged, "We take responsibility for the delayed internal response."
The agency revealed that, in relation to this matter, it has filed a complaint against the original poster and those who left malicious comments for obstruction of business, violation of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation), and insult. January requested, "Please refrain from making speculative statements and slander against the members of Sanghyun Na Band."
On August 1, Sanghyun Na also shared his personal statement via his blog. He said, "At the time, out of fear and anxiety, I initially took a stance of apology, but after confirming with the agency, I learned that the report was not true. I apologize to those who have waited a long time and have been hurt. While I plan to resume my activities, it will take time to return with the same mindset, but I will do my best."
Previously, on May 22, a post was uploaded to an online community alleging that Sanghyun Na had made inappropriate physical contact with a female companion during a drinking gathering. The following day, he wrote on SNS, "I apologize to those who were made uncomfortable by my past actions," and "I hurt someone in a situation where I do not remember the specific circumstances after drinking."
Full Statement from January
We apologize to those who have felt confusion and discomfort due to the recent expos? posts online regarding our artist Sanghyun Na. We also apologize for the delayed statement due to the lack of an internal response system within the agency regarding such matters.
First, immediately after the report was made public, the artist proactively posted a statement based on moral responsibility, even though the facts had not been fully verified. This response was based on the artist's belief that, in the face of someone's claims of harm, it is better to apologize for the controversy rather than remain silent.
After thoroughly reviewing the situation with the artist, we clarify that the actions mentioned in the post are not true.
In addition, the period mentioned by the artist was meant to describe a time when he was reflecting on and improving his lifestyle as his alcohol consumption increased. We only realized after posting the statement that this could be misunderstood as an admission of the incident. We deeply apologize for causing confusion by attempting to express our feelings without sufficient explanation, which led to misunderstandings about the facts.
Once again, we sincerely apologize to the fans who were shocked by our inadequate response and to all those concerned who were troubled by this incident.
Furthermore, we respectfully request that you refrain from making indiscriminate speculative statements and slander against the members of Sanghyun Na Band. Our company is in the process of appointing legal representatives and establishing a response system. We will do our best to prevent such incidents from happening again.
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