In this part of my breakdown I am recapping all the information that has come out about the men involved in Jung Joon Young’s chats.
March 12, 2019
More Text Messages Are Released
Text messages from April 17th, 2016 are released, when Kim sent a video in the chat of a sex video with an unconscious woman
Singer Choi: What the, she’s passed out
Kim: So what if she is?
Singer Choi: Send a (video) of a living woman
Joon Young: It was rape *laughing symbol*
Another message is reported to have another man describing having sex with a woman after giving her sleeping pills, and Jung Joon Young makes disparaging remarks the woman.
Also there is a message where Jung Joon Young says, “Let’s all meet online and go to a strip bar and rape [someone] in a car,” to which a person named Park responds, “We do that in real life too, you know.” Singer Choi agrees, and Park responds, “This is a movie. Think about it for five minutes. We just didn’t murder, a lot of bastards have gone to jail for that.”
Source: Soompi
MakeUs Terminates Contract With Jung Joon Young
Hello, this is MAKEUS Entertainment.
This is a statement regarding Jung Joon Young.
Last night, Jung Joon Young sent his statement of apology to the agency, and we relayed Jung Joon Young’s statement without any modifications.
With this incident, the agency has judged that we can no longer maintain our contract with Jung Joon Young. As a result, the agreement was made to terminate the contract as of March 13, 2019 with singer Jung Joon Young, who signed with our label Label M in January 2019.
However, we feel a deep sense of responsibility for this incident that occurred due to an artist of our agency, and we will fulfill our duties until the end so that Jung Joon Young can diligently cooperate with investigations and trials as he revealed in his letter of apology.
We once again express our apologies for causing trouble due to an unfortunate situation.
Source: Soompi
FNC Denies Connection Between Lee Jong Hyun of CNBLUE & Choi Jong Hyun of FTISLAND, Threatens Legal Action
We clearly state that Lee Jong Hyun and Choi Jong Hoon, who are artists at our agency, have no relation to this incident. Their relationships with the controversial celebrities are only as acquaintances who were in contact with each other.
Choi Jong Hoon recently received a request for cooperation in the police’s investigation, and so he only attended as a reference. We wish to make clear that he was not being investigated nor considered a suspect. Choi Jong Hoon has already completed the police’s investigation, and the tentative conclusion is that he has no particular connection to allegations such as sexual services.
Also, Lee Jong Hyun and Jung Joon Young’s relationship is just that of two people who were in contact a long time ago, and he is not connected to this incident. We hope that you will refrain from unnecessary misunderstandings or speculative reports.
In addition, we will be be taking strong legal action against malicious rumors spreading online about our artists.
Source: Soompi
March 13th, 2019
Evidence of Police Collusion Is Found In Katalk Case
Lawyer Bang Jung Hyun on CBS Radio’s Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show, discusses why he sent the Katalk transcript to Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission instead of police stating that it is his job to protect the identity of the original whistleblower and worried that if he sent the data to an investigative agency (such as the police), they may focus on finding out the identity of the whistleblower. He mentions that in the chat it was mentioned a number of times “I contacted [the high-ranking official]” or “I did [so-and-so] with [the high-ranking official] and resolved it in reference to a situation popping up. There was also a comment of, “So-and-so from the police called me to say happy birthday.”
He is quoted as saying: “The person in the conversation appeared to be tied with the most influential head of the police, and that led to other ties with other police officers of lower ranks.”
DJ: Is it just one person who’s saying they resolved issues by talking to the police, or is it everyone?
Bang Jung Hyun: One person is saying they are the most closely tied, but the other people are also aware of this. [That one person] is related to Burning Sun.
About whether there were other crimes revealed in the chat, without stating what the crime is he said:
As you may know, there are many cases that are being investigated in relation to Burning Sun. There’s another case that’s similar to one of those cases….It is, however, related to one of those businesses [run by Seungri].
Source: Soompi
Police reveal there are comments that suggest the Police commissioner was involved in the prostitution case. Both Seungri and singer Jung Jun Young allegedly say “police commissioner is taking care of it,” while FTISLAND’s Choi Jonghoon allegedly said “please keep news of my drunk driving out of the media.”
Source: Netizen Buzz
Police Commissioner, Min Gap Ryong, Makes a Statement
The chats in question took place in July 2016, when Kang Shin Myung was Commissioner, current Commissioner Min Gap Ryong released this statement:
I will check thoroughly to find out if there was an incident that the police was involved in at the time. There is a specific individual who made this comment, but it is difficult to reveal details as the investigation is on-going. If crimes are discovered in the process, they will be convicted thoroughly regardless of rank.
Due to the nuances that suggest that (a high-level chief) was watching their backs, we are thoroughly conducting investigations for any connections. For now, we are conducting an internal investigation. We will utilize all capabilities of the police to thoroughly investigate/inspect the suspicions about the corrupt ties involving the highest levels of the
Source: Soompi | Koreaboo
Multiple Celebrities Distance Themselves From Jung Joon Young, Some Threaten Legal Action
Oh Yeon Seo’s label, Celltrion, threaten legal action if the actress is linkedto Jung Joon Young:
Hello. This is Celltrion Entertainment.
The rumors that are currently spreading about actress Oh Yeon Seo are completely groundless, and we are deeply concerned about the serious defamation of the actress’s character resulting from the thoughtless reproduction of false truths.
We are informing you that we will be using all methods available in order to protect the actress’s rights, including legal action and the gathering of evidence about the writing, posting, and spreading of such unconfirmed rumors.
Thank you.
Source: Soompi
Jung Yoo Mi, who was Jung Joon Young’s on screen wife for ‘We Got Married’ threatened legal action for any association with her and his scandal.
Model Heo Hyun’s label makes a statement that he is not involved with the chat, also threatening legal action
Hello
This is Agency Garten.Garten model Heo Hyun has been under suspicion of being included in a controversial KakaoTalk chatroom with celebrities. However, Garten’s Heo Hyun only has the same name and is not acquainted at all. He has no relation to this matter.
In addition, we will take strong legal action on cases of malicious posts and comments causing defamation and harm, so please take caution.
Kwon Hyuk Joon, Yuri of SNSD’s brother, was also speculated to be a part of the chats, and responded to comments on his instagram
Hello to you who is hiding under the shadow of anonymity. I am diligently cooperating with all investigations, and I don’t think you have a right to judge whether or not I can hold my head up with a committed crime.
He claims he was in a work-related KakaoTalk when establishing Milddang Pocha, an outdoor establishment run by Seungri, Jung Joon Young, and other friends.
I do not know anything about the sexual escort services or what is being mentioned in the news.
He also commented in another response to commenter:
Such a long amount of time has passed, and I am very worried as it has become this big issue now. I hope this will not affect my family.
Source: Soompi
Zico Clarifies Pats Comments About Golden Phone
On the January 27th, 2016 episode of MBC’s Radio Star, Zico spoke about Jung Joon Young’s “Golden Phone,” saying
Jung Joon Young has a ‘golden phone.’ It’s not his main phone, and he only uses it for KakaoTalk [a messaging app]. It’s kind of like a Pokémon book, with many people in it.
Jung Joon Young responded:
Zico comes over to my house and asks, ‘Hyung, where’s your golden phone?’ He’ll lie on my bed and look at it, saying, ‘Today, I’ll start from the letter A.’
Zico responded to questions about the “Golden Phone” comment with this statement:
The phone-related anecdote that I mentioned on a television program has no relation whatsoever to this current unpleasant matter.
All that I saw on the phone in question was the contact information of [his] acquaintances, and it has been a long time since we fell out of touch.
Please refrain from making hasty speculations, and I will be taking firm action in response to any malicious comments or the spreading of false rumors.
Source: Soompi 1, 2
MakeUs Terminates Contract With Jung Joon Young, He Is Removed From 2 Day & 1 Night, Salty Tour, 4 Wheeled Restaurant, and Music Festival ‘Beautiful Mint Life 2019’
Hello, this is MAKEUS Entertainment.
This is a statement regarding Jung Joon Young.
Last night, Jung Joon Young sent his statement of apology to the agency, and we relayed Jung Joon Young’s statement without any modifications.
With this incident, the agency has judged that we can no longer maintain our contract with Jung Joon Young. As a result, the agreement was made to terminate the contract as of March 13, 2019 with singer Jung Joon Young, who signed with our label Label M in January 2019.
However, we feel a deep sense of responsibility for this incident that occurred due to an artist of our agency, and we will fulfill our duties until the end so that Jung Joon Young can diligently cooperate with investigations and trials as he revealed in his letter of apology.
We once again express our apologies for causing trouble due to an unfortunate situation.
Source: 1, 2, 3, 4
YG Terminates Contract With Seungri
Source: Soompi
Jung Joon Young Admits To Charges
I write to you in shame and guilt.
I, Jung Joon Young, once again realized the seriousness of this situation after returning to Korea on March 12. Although it’s already late, I apologize through this letter to all the people who showed an interest in me and gave me a second chance.
In regards to what is being said in relation to me, I admit to all my crimes. I filmed women without their consent and shared it in a social media chatroom, and while I did so I didn’t feel a great sense of guilt.
As a public figure, it was an unethical act worthy of criticism, and such a thoughtless action.
More than anything, I kneel and apologize to the women who appear in the videos who have learned of this hideous truth as the incident has come to light, and to the many people who must be angry at the situation over which they cannot contain their disappointment and astonishment.
I am withdrawing from all the programs that I was appearing on, and I will suspend all activities in the entertainment industry. I will now set down all my activities as a public figure that are not self-reflection, and I will reflect for the rest of my life on my immoral and illegal actions related to the crimes.
More than anyone else, I apologize to the women who have experienced great suffering due to my actions, to the many people who must feel anger even more so than disappointment, and to the many people who made me into a public figure and cherished me.
I will sincerely take part without any falsehoods in the investigations that will begin on the morning of March 14, and I will accept punishment for my actions.
I once again deeply apologize. I am sorry.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Jung Joon Young
Source: Korea Herald| Soompi | New York Times
It Is Announced Both Seungri & Jung Joon Young Will Be Investogated on March 14
Source: Soompi
Police Search Digital Forensic Company For Original KakaoTalk
On March 13, 11:30am. KST, 10 investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency searched and seized evidence from a private digital forensics company in the Gangnam district of Seoul in search of the original KakaoTalk conversation data.
Source: Soompi
Choi Jong Hun Admits to Drunk Driving Through FNC
After checking with him personally, we confirmed that Choi Jong Hoon was caught drunk driving by the police in Itaewon, Seoul in February 2016. He paid a fine of 2.5 million won (approximately $2,200) and got his license suspended for 100 days.
At the time, Choi Jong Hoon felt that he was not a well-known member, and in fear, tried to let it pass quietly by not telling the agency. He says he is very regretful and is reflecting on making the faulty judgment on his own. We found after checking with him personally, however, that he did not make requests through the media or police as reported today regarding ties with the police.
Choi Jong Hoon will actively cooperate in police investigations to confirm whether or not such ties [with the police] existed. If [suspicions] including the ties [with the police] are found to be true, he will take all corresponding legal responsibility.
Choi Jong Hoon feels a deep sense of guilt regarding his past wrongdoings, and he is also deeply reflecting on causing disappointment to many people around him and causing harm to his team. Furthermore, until all investigations are complete, he will completely halt all individual activities and activities as a member of FTISLAND.
In addition, the agency feels deep responsibility for the recent series of Choi Jong Hoon’s involvement in unfortunate matters and for not having recognized the situation ahead of time. We promise to put in more effort to manage our artists thoroughly.
Source: Soompi
Yong Junhyun Admits To Watching Videos From Chat With Jung Joon Young, Leaves Highlight
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu-KHxLlSS5/?utm_source=ig_embed
Hello, this is Yong Junhyung.
First of all, I sincerely apologize to the members and all fans who must have had a difficult time because of me for the past few days.
When I received the call from my agency to confirm the validity [of the news] right after the SBS 8 O’Clock News aired on [March] 11, I did not understand the point of the issue clearly and only said that I was not in the chatroom. As a result, the agency took my side and said in the official statement that the reports are false, but this was information relayed inaccurately by me. The reason I said [the chat] was from 2016 while talking with the agency to release an official statement is that I no longer have the chat records with Jung Joon Young in my KakaoTalk, so I was not able to check the date accurately. I also apologize for causing further confusion due to this.
In the KakaoTalk messages with Jung Joon Young from late 2015 reported by the news, we drank the night before and went home, and I asked him how he is doing the next day. Jung Joon Young told me that he got caught after sending illegal video footage to someone, and I responded, “You got caught by her?” I did not receive a video at the time, but I did receive a video at a different instance. In addition, I participated in inappropriate conversations regarding it. All of these actions were very immoral, and I was foolish. I treated it as not a big deal without thinking that it is a crime and illegal act, and it is also my fault for not firmly restraining [Jung Joon Young].
I participated in a witness interview regarding this matter. I said everything that I know without any lies, and I cooperated with the investigation. While receiving the witness interview, I saw exactly what conversations I had in the past, and I was embarrassed and could not help but feel horrified.
I never participated in the illegal acts of taking hidden camera footage or circulating it. In addition, I have maintained a relationship of only greeting each other once in awhile with Jung Joon Young since late 2016. However, although I knew of what was happening during that time, I thought of it as not a big deal and acted at ease. I was a silent bystander about this severe issue where several more victims may have arisen due to my actions.
I am very sorry to have not been able to repay the overwhelming love and as I betrayed the trust of the members and fans who have trusted me due to this issue. I realize the severity of this matter, and I do not want any further harm to be done to my fans and members who must have been disappointed because of me, so I will leave the group Highlight as of March 14, 2019. I will live while reflecting on myself again and again. I once again apologize sincerely.
Source: Netizen Buzz | Soompi
Around Us Makes Statement On Yong Junhyung’s Departure From Highlight
Hello, this is Around Us.
First of all, we apologize to those who were confused by the incorrect official statement.
In relation to the report from SBS’s “8 O’Clock News” on March 11, Yong Junhyung found out that Jung Joon Young had taken illegal footage while asking how he was doing on the day after having a drink together in late 2015.
Later, he saw the illegal video(s) he received through the one-on-one chatroom and exchanged inappropriate conversations with him. We were able to confirm this fact through Yong Junhyung’s witness interview on March 13.
Yong Junhyung realized the severity of the issue and faithfully complied with the witness interview.
He is aware of the seriousness of how morally lax his past behaviors were and is deeply repenting on having disappointed many people through his past statements and actions.
He fully understands that this incident is something that cannot be forgiven, and he is deeply reflecting on himself for disappointing and breaking the trust and love he received from fans of Highlight and his fellow members.
Moreover, he will take full responsibility and leave Highlight as of March 14, 2019 in order to avoid tarnishing the group’s image and causing secondary damages.
We sincerely apologize for being unable to check the exact facts, causing confusion to many people, and releasing an official statement after a hasty decision even though Yong Junhyung was involved in a shameful incident.
We will take caution to avoid such instances in the future. Once again, we apologize to the fans who truly care for Highlight.
We apologize.
Source: Soompi
March 14th, 2019
New Text Messages Are Revealed Between Choi Jong Hun of FTISLAND & Lee Jong Hyun of CNBLUE
SBS releases more conversations from the Katalk, that are between Choi Jong Hun of FTISLAND, Lee Jong Hyun of CNBLUE, and Jung Joon Young.
Choi Jong Hun sends video of a sleeping women to which a Mr. Heo replies:
Heo: “Who’s that? Her body is *** great.”
Choi Jong Hun: “The one wearing [name redacted] that was there yesterday.”
Another conversation between Lee Jong Hyun and Jung Joon Young went as follows:
Lee Jonghyun: Yesterday I did XXXX with XX (multiple people)
Jung Joon Young: That’s nice. Next time introduce me to them too.
Lee Jonghyun: Give me a girl, quick. A bitch like X.
Jung Joon Young: Who should I give you?
Lee Jonghyun: This hyung prefers a girl you didn’t do XXX to, but if that’s not available, just any pretty bitch.
Lee Jonghyun: Are there no young and pretty and nice bitches? Someone that would be fun to play with ㅋㅋㅋ
Source: Soompi | Koreaboo
Choi Jong Hun Releases Apology Letter Regarding Bribery, Katalk & DUI
Hello, this is Choi Jong Hoon.
I am writing this message to apologize to the Korean people who may have felt upset and outraged with me.
After reading the conversations in the chatroom I was involved in through the news reports, I was so distressed and ashamed to come across the forgotten past messages again.
The fact that I made these careless remarks and couldn’t remember them all this time made me reflect on what a false sense of ethics I’d been living with. In addition, as I read over comments of criticism and anger, I realize that I had fallen into a sense of entitlement, and I am deeply regretting it. I will repent greatly of my sins from my immoral life, and I will live while reflecting on this for the rest of my life.
First I must bow my head in apology to the victims who were hurt with lasting wounds. And I apologize to the numerous victims who have been harmed after being dragged into this incident despite having nothing to do with it.
I’m also ashamed of myself as I was in the position of being leader to the members of FTISLAND, but I acted disgracefully. And to the fans (PRIMADONNA) who have supported my activities until now, I’m also sorry that I failed to live up to the expectations you believed in, and that I have betrayed your trust in me. As of today, I will leave the team and retire from the entertainment industry. I will spend my entire life thoroughly reflecting on my past days when I acted carelessly without any feelings of remorse. I will also diligently participate in future investigations without any falsehoods, and I will accept the punishment I deserve. I am sorry.
FNC Announces Choi Jong Hun’s Removal From FTISLAND and Retirement From Indusry
It was decided today that Choi Jong Hoon, who has evoked criticism with involvement in a recent series of incidents, will be leaving FTISLAND.
Our agency would like to make it clear that there was no intention to hide or cover up the truth regarding these matters. Previously, based on our relationship of mutual trust, we checked with him on what he remembers regarding the past incidents before releasing statements. We express deep apologies for causing confusion by releasing inaccurate statements through this process.
There are additional suspicions regarding illegal acts although he says he does not remember them, so he will diligently receive a police investigation sometime this week. Choi Jong Hoon has decided to leave the team forever and will retire from the entertainment industry.
The agency realizes the severity and feels responsibility for these matters, and we will fully cooperate with the police investigation process so that the truth can be clearly identified.
Choi Jong Hoon expresses his apologies to those who received harm due to his inappropriate and embarrassing words and actions in the past. He is also deeply reflecting on the disappointment he has given to many fans and the members of his team. The agency expresses our deep apologies for being inattentive in managing and teaching proper character to our artists and for causing trouble to many people due to an unfortunate matter.
Choi Jong Hoon will now halt celebrity life and live while reflecting on himself. The agency also cannot avoid responsibility regarding Choi Jong Hoon’s words and actions that cannot be forgiven by society, so we will guide him until the end towards living as a member of society with an upright perception.
[The agency] once again promises to be more thorough and strict in our management and education of all artists. We apologize.
Source: Soompi | Netizen Buzz
Seungri & Jung Joon Young Arrive At The Police Station For Investigation
Seungri arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on March 14 for their investigations.
Jung Joon Young made this statement to press:
I am sorry. I apologize for causing trouble to all the citizens of the nation. I will diligently participate in the investigation. I apologize
Seungri made this statement to press:
I would like to apologize to the people of Korea, and to the people that have been hurt through this case. More than what I can say now, I will participate in the investigations truthfully.
Source: Soompi
Journalist Kang Kyung Yoon Interviews Some Of Jung Joon Young’s Victims
Kang Kyung Yoon talks about having met and talked to victims of Jung Joon Young’s secret filming, and shared what they told her:
I’ve met around 4-5 victims (of Jung Joon Young) so far. They were all in their early 20’s at the time of the incident. I cried while hearing this person’s story. The victim knew that Jung Joon Young had filmed the video. She later discovered it while looking at his phone. Even though she suffered damage, she could not file charges because she was afraid her personal details may be revealed. In fact, she pleaded (with him) in case he would maliciously circulate it. She said she asked (Jung Joon Young) to take it upon himself to erase it. A normal person would have taken caution and stopped the behavior but Jung Joon Young asked the friend (he sent the illegal video to) for the video, “Give me back the video. (The girl) erased it and left. Get again.” He was enjoying it like a game and couldn’t recognize that it was a crime.
Source: Koreaboo
SBS Reporter Kang Chung Wa Gives More Details On Jung Joon Young’s Texts
Kang Chung Wa revealed that there are over 200,000 texts with even more shocking comments and content:
I thought very hard about how much information I should deliver. There were things that were worse than the content that has already been reported, things that are simply unspeakable. I was even more shocked to see messages saying, ‘She won’t be able to report (me),’ because he knew the weaknesses of some of the victims. There were 1:1 conversations and numerous group chatrooms as well. The conversation log about ties to a high-level officer that Bang Jung Hyun mentioned on the radio is also being reviewed.
Asia 24/7 