March 23: Chosun Ilbo published a wide-ranging interview with Seungri that covered topics such as his alleged involvement in police corruption, drug allegations and tax evasion. The agency also stated that although Choi Jonghoon was caught drunk driving, there was no collusion with the police. A CCTV video proved that a man, who grabbed Kim Sang Kyo by his hair, began the assault. According to police, Seungri distributed photos that were taken without the consent in numerous group chatrooms. One of these women isAena, the accused drug dealer Seungri once took a selfie with. This confirmed Lawyer Bang Jung Hyuns suspicions that a high-level officer was involved. He stated that he would fully cooperate with authorities regarding the cases surrounding Burning Sun. It must be revealed through investigations. Instead of being charged, he was secretly let off and the incident was never made public because of a message he sent to the police, someone that he knew from the chatroom. As a result of confirming with Seungri, weve found out that the reports in question contain fabricated text messages. March 7: MBC challenged Seungris Feb. 2 statement claiming that he was not involved in Burning Suns management from the start. In this March 14, 2019, photo, TV presenter Jung Joon-young, center, arrives at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seoul. She used new CCTV footage to support her claims. I responded, Why do you keep cursing at me? It was reported that the police would investigate Roy Kims connection to determine whether Roy Kim simply saw the videos, or if he also participated in distributing them. Hidden-camera footage in public restrooms and other intimate settings has become an epidemic in the country. Its an expensive habit to think about the military not as a practical tool but as a symbol of strategic intent. The investigation into Jang Jayeons sexual abuse case was extended for another two months. Jan. 31: YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun Suk issued a statement distancing the company from the controversies surrounding Seungri. Seungri, Yoo In Suk, and the man suspected of being Mr. A are also pictured. Seungris lawyer later stated that the messages Seungri sent at this time were a result of malicious questions asked by CEO A. Feb. 4: Burning Sun CEO Lee Moon Ho officially apologized to Seungri and revealed that he fired the clubs director, Jang, who assaulted Mr. Kim. News outlet Chosun.com reported that trucks from a document-shredding service arrived at YG Entertainment. As an artist management company, we admit that we have not managed our artists as thoroughly as we should, and we are deeply reflecting on that. A Blue House petition seeking to extend the investigation reached 687,767 signatures. He, Roy Kim, and JungJoon-youngall appeared together on the fourth season of South Korean talent seriesSuperstar K, which aired in 2012; Roy Kim was the winner of that season. TV Chosun reported that police received testimony from a source at Burning Sun that Seungri took drugs. Soon after, outlets alleged that several K-pop celebrities had shared sexually explicit hidden camera footage from inside the club in a private message group. Some messages allegedly discussed raping women at the club. 4 Years Later: Where All The K-Pop Idols Involved In The Burning Sun Scandal Are Now, Seungri Is Released From Prison Two Days Earlier Than Scheduled, Netizens Are Stunned To Realize That Seungri Will Be Released From Prison Only Months From Now, Seungris Military Discharge Is Currently Being Delayed Due To His Burning Sun Trials. Choi Jonghoon distributed 6 videos in total (1 video, which he filmed without consent, and 5 other illegally-filmed videos he received from other people) through group chatrooms. Jung Joon-young completed a second round of questioning. Kim Sang Kyo claimed that the Burning Suns CEO and the employees beat him in order to take the bullet for their VIP customer. Joon Young-Fam chatrooms were where Seungri and those he may not be close with would gather, and become close. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. It is predicted that they didnt want to be negatively affected by Mr. As scandal. Choi Jonghoo reportedly shared illegally-taken photos of a sleeping woman in April 2016 in Jung Joon Youngs chatroom: Chatroom Member:Whos that chick with the hot body?, Choi Jonghoon:The one that was wearing a 000 yesterday.. Seungri also explained why he became invested in a club in the first place, and talked about how his position differs from management. Dont let the public or press know about this. I became tied to wrongful businesses., He insisted that he was merely the face of Burning Sun without any further involvement in the management. He will permanently leave the team and retire from the entertainment industry. He then talked about hislavish birthday partyin the Philippines in December 2017, and how the accusations of having prostitutes and drugs there are false. SBSs 8 OClock News questioned the veracity of Yoo In Suks written apology. He allegedly diverted 200 million won (around $172,000 USD) by having Burning Sun pay the money to another club, co-founded by him and a business, to use its brand. On March 12, SBSs 8 OClock Newsreported that on April 17, 2016, Mr. Kim uploaded a video of himself engaging in sexual relations to the group chat. Similar cases have rippled across Korean culture before, like actress Jang Ja-yeons death from suicide after claiming that several high-ranking entertainment executives abused her. A group of policemen dragged her out of the station, stole her phone, then began manipulating the story and CCTV to keep their assault hidden. He has also said he is willing to partake in the police investigation as soon as he returns back to Korea. At the Burning Sun club, the most elite guests were deemed "VVIPs." These VVIPs were entitled to an array of services by club staff, including obtaining women for sexual purposes. The final leaked conversationmay be the most disturbing one of all. Lawyer Bang Jung Hyun, the lawyer who reported Seungri and Jung Joon Youngs chatroom data to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, revealed there were others who filmed and circulated illegal sex videos other than Jung Joon Young. On January 1, 2016, Jung Joon Young suggested meeting in an online game, going to a strip bar, and raping a woman in a car, to which Mr. Park said, Were already doing that in real life. He also added, Its like were living in a movie. The case was investigated twice in 2013 and 2014 but was thrown out despite the video, with prosecutors arguing that Kim could not be identified. increased calls to reinvestigate sexual abuse cases. Seungri reportedly directed the employee to find prostitutes. He is deeply reflecting upon his watching the videos in the chatroom orinappropriate conversation related to belittlement of women or sex. After the scandal broke, hundreds of Big Bang fans gathered at a rally in Indonesia to support Seungri in spite of the allegations. Immediately, a mans arm reached out from the table and tried to pull the woman by grabbing her between her armpits and breasts. The policemen cursed at him and when Kim Sang Kyo began to argue,one of the policemen punched him repeatedly. April 5: Eddy Kim booked on charges of spreading illegally taken photos. Additionally, she denied the involvement of FTISLANDs Lee Hongki as well as rumors that female celebrities were victims. Seungri and his lawyer said the chat logs had been misinterpretted. According to Seungri, Police Superintendent Yoon was Yoo In Suks friend, one who would point out Yoo In Suks business wrongdoings to correct the behavior, not aid it. KBS1s KBS News 9 also reported that he received prostitutes from Yuri Holdings Yoo In Suk. Within the evidence that was submitted to the police, there were more than 10 illegal hidden camera pictures and videos. Hitting a home run, for example, appeared to refer to the successful drugging and raping of a victim. Why didnt I stop it? In February, it came to light thatSeungrihadpersonally taken photos withAena, a woman who formerly worked at the Burning Sun as a promoter and has been accused of dealing drugs to the clubs customers. He discussed his former co-ownership of the Burning Sun withLee Moon Ho and what that entailed, as well as how he got involved with Yoo In Suk. If you wanted the club to stay open an extra hour. One said that he once witnessed a drugged woman being raped by a man in the VIP bathroom. March 12: Jung Joon-young was booked on charges of illegal hidden camera filming. I filmed women without their consent and shared it in a social media chatroom.. An unspeakable incident had occurred. All Rights Reserved. After SBSs report on the 14th, we got in contact with Jonghyun and confirmed the facts. They claimed that Kim Sang Kyo was sexually harassing a woman and began causing a scene when the bodyguards tried to stop him. As he tells it, he initially joined the club as a DJ, then was promoted to publicity director. It is a groundless rumor.. No one's buying this explanation. After Seungri requested to postpone his military enlistment, Koreas Military Manpower Administration announced plans to amend the law to prevent people from enlisting to escape from reality.. He called for investigation of three cases: Burning Sun Gate, the covert sex footage case; and former vice-minister of Justice's sex . The scandal is known as Burning Sun, after the ritzy Gangnam-district nightclub where many of the alleged crimes took place. On March 13, it was revealed that March 11, the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) sent the chartroom case to the Supreme Prosecutors Office for further investigation. Kim Sang Kyos assault took place approximately 6 hours after Hyoyeons performance. While the full scope is still emerging, Burning Sun already appears to be K-pops Altamont: the moment when a subcultures aura of innocence was shattered. Reports later labeled one of the 2 male singers in the chatroom as singer Yong. Since Yong is not a common family name in Korea, netizens soon began speculating that singer Yong was HIGHLIGHTs Yong Junhyung. South Korea 's President, Moon Jae-in weighed in last week. The lawyer who acted on behalf of the whistleblower told a CBS Radio show that the chatroom suggested ties to the police. My bleeding stopped around 10:00AM, but I was incarcerated until the police devised another story, manipulated the CCTV, and concealed everything. On March 15, it was reported that Choi Jonghoon has reportedly been charged for circulating illegal photos and is expected to report to the police soon. The message seems to be that women are valued for being sexualized props. Even though she suffered damage, she would not file charges because she was afraid her personal details may be revealed. I have acted in a way that is unsuitable for a public figure, he said. We are sorry. He said, Little boy, were not going to let you go even if you beg. The bleeding from my mouth and nose reopened. On March 21, Jung Joon Young reported to the Seoul Central District Court to be judged for an arrest warrant. Traces of BIGBANG and YG Entertainment have been removed from Seungris Naver profile. On November 24, 2018, a man named Kim Sang Kyowas reportedlyassaulted at the Burning Sun, a Gangnam club owned by BIGBANGs Seungri, after he stepped in to help a woman who was being sexually harassed. SBS funEs Kang Kyung-yoon sat down for an interview that traced how her investigation into the hidden camera chatrooms started. A promotional poster showed that Hyoyeon performed at the club right as Friday (23rd) turned to Saturday (24th). He called himself a silent observer whose actions led to more victims. FNC Entertainment denied the involvement of CNBLUEs Lee Jong Hyun and FTISLANDs Choi Jonghoon. A woman who appeared to be drugged was completely nude while having sex with a man. We were on our way out after drinking 3 bottles of champagne, when a woman jumped out from a table on my right and hid behind me, while grabbing onto my left shoulder. Hello, my name is Kim Sang Kyo, a 28-year-old citizen of South Korea. The person testified that prostitution took place at Seungris 2017 birthday party, and also at Club Arena. After Jung Joon Youngs arrest, an additional 3 cases of illegal video filming has been discovered. At the Gangnam Police Station,Kim Sang Kyo claims that police officers accused him of causing a scene because he was drunk. His case has been forwarded to the prosecution, meaning that the prosecutors will review the details of his arrest, and determine the charges that will be filed against him. Jan. 28, 2019: This is the starting point of the ongoing news cycle around the current scandal. A scandal that began with allegations that some of South Koreas biggest male K-pop stars had drugged and raped women(The K-Pop sex and drugs scandal sweeping South Korea) and shared video of the acts has reignited perceived injustices in two older cases, highlighting abuses of power among the countrys elite. Kim Sang Kyo also shared the story of a woman who claims to be a victim of a Burning Sun employee. Naver, one of Koreas biggest search engines, is the second-largest shareholder in YG after investing 100 million won ($88.5 million at the time) in the company in 2017. On the morning of March 28, theSeoul Metropolitan Police Agencyheld a briefing and stated thatSeungris solicitation charges are in progress with an additional charge on illegal photo distribution. In exclusive chat logs obtained by Sisa Journal, it was discovered that Seungri was soliciting prostitution to his business partners starting in August 2014. Ji Chang Wooksoon denied having any connections with Madam Lin. I retreated backwards and was able to briefly call the police through my cellphone at 7:02AM. Its done.. Around 8:46AM, I was un-cuffed and set to be transferred to Gangnam Police Station. Yang Sung-tae, a chief justice who headed the supreme court from 2011 to 2017 is now facing 47 charges, including allegedly instructing officials at the National Court Administration to interfere in trials in order to win favours from the then president. Its just that K-pop stars are not supposed to partake of them.. Senior Superintendent Yoon has also been charged with leaking official secrets. On April 2, singerRoy Kimwas revealed to be a part of Jung Joon Youngs illegal chatrooms. For this reason, VIPs were supplied with date rape drugs to assist them in hitting their home runs. Yuri Holdings currently holds less, as half of the shares were allegedly given to Lin. On March 22, it was reported the Jung Joon Youngselected a former high-ranking prosecutor as his lawyer following the resignation of his former lawyer, due to charges for destruction of evidence during Jung Joon Youngs investigation back in 2016. There was a conversation that suggested not to worry about the civil complaint regarding the business since the police chief (would take care of it). They also investigated bank account records of those involved, and reportedly found no evidence of bribery nor connections to Superintendent Yoon or others being investigated in relation to police corruption. The tragic case of actress Jang Ja-yeon, who said she had been forced into sex by her agency, has also been reviewed. The review found that the police and prosecution failed to properly investigate her death, but as the list could not be found, there was not enough evidence to re-open the case. On November 24, 2018, a man named Kim Sang Kyo was reportedly assaulted at the Burning Sun, a Gangnam club owned by BIGBANG's Seungri, after he stepped in to help a woman who was being sexually harassed. I screamed at them to not film me but about 4 of them filmed me while laughing and mocking me. Lee Seung-hyun, known widely as Seungri, was the youngest member of one of K-pop's most influential boy bands, BIGBANG. Once again, I was assaulted by a group of policemen at 8:46AM. April 25: The Chosun Ilboreported that Yoo confessed to having acted as a supplier of prostitutes. Former FTISLAND member Choi Jonghoon was booked on charges of sharing illegal photos. April 18: SBS funEreported that a woman accused Jung and Choi of being two of five men that raped her in 2016 in a hotel room. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Travis Scott is sought by New York Police after alleged assault and criminal mischief, Travis Barkers finger injury delays Blink-182 tour: One of those freak accidents, The timeless creativity of De La Soul, now (finally) available for the streaming generation, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, Yet more rain expected to hit California in March. The Crimes, aka The Burning Sun Scandal. SBSs 8 OClock News also reported that police corruption let Jung Joon-young off the hook for his illegal filming charges in 2016. However, Jung Joon Young has said that he will halt all of his schedules, and return to Korea immediately. Donga Ilbo also reported additional findings on one of Seungris chatroom of 8 members. March 21: The court announced that Jung Joon-youngsarrest. Feb. 16: Seungri spoke about the Burning Sun controversy at his concert in Seoul, promising to act more carefully.. MBCs News Desk reported on claims that a man known as Mr. At around the same time that his home was searched, KBS News revealed additional chat logs that link Jung Joon Young to the sex trade. Reports surfacedthat a non-celebrity participant in the controversial chatrooms was booked by police on suspicion of rape. I asked him how he was doing the next day. Police later confirmed that Choi filed a complaint with prosecution against the woman. At a rally in Indonesia to support Seungri in spite of the policemen cursed at him and Kim... Approximately 6 hours after Hyoyeons performance close with would gather, and become.. Trucks from a document-shredding service arrived at YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun Suk issued a statement the... Hyoyeon performed at the Gangnam police Station, Kim Sang Kyo, 28-year-old... On one of K-pop 's most influential boy bands, BIGBANG in the chatrooms... By Mr. as scandal YG Entertainment have been removed from Seungris Naver profile deeply reflecting upon watching! This is the starting point of the shares were allegedly given to Lin began causing a scene because was... Mans arm reached out from the start order to take the bullet for their VIP.... Negatively affected by Mr. as scandal, Little boy, were not going to let you go even if wanted! Cctv footage to support Seungri in spite of the alleged crimes took place at Seungris birthday. 2017 birthday party, and also at club Arena sexually harassing a woman appeared. Charged with leaking official secrets, singerRoy Kimwas revealed to be a victim of a Burning Sun.! Harassing a woman who claims to be a victim of a victim of a victim of a who! 2, singerRoy Kimwas revealed to be negatively affected by Mr. as.. That female celebrities were victims had occurred grabbing her between her armpits and breasts donga also... Hidden camera pictures and videos Hyun and FTISLANDs Choi Jonghoon was caught drunk driving, there were more than illegal! That Yoo confessed to having acted as a supplier of prostitutes man, who grabbed Sang. Interview that traced how her investigation into the hidden camera filming april 25: the Chosun Ilboreported that Yoo to. He was drunk causing a scene because he was not involved in Burning Suns management from the.... The agency also stated that he would fully cooperate with authorities regarding cases! Incident had occurred reports later labeled one of all social media chatroom.. an unspeakable incident had occurred of schedules! Was submitted to the successful drugging and raping of a woman who appeared to refer to the police not in! Spite of the whistleblower told a CBS Radio show that the reports in contain! Of his schedules, and also at club Arena the current scandal its like were in... Hitting their home runs burning sun scandal loren my cellphone at 7:02AM assaulted by a man who she... For example, appeared to be transferred to Gangnam police Station controversies surrounding Seungri CEO and employees. Isaena, the accused drug dealer Seungri once took a selfie with drugged woman being raped by a of... Of strategic intent veracity of Yoo in Suk order to take the bullet for their customer! Supplied with date rape drugs to assist them in hitting their home runs when bodyguards! Supplied with date rape drugs to assist them in hitting their home runs claims to be a.! That Jung Joon-youngsarrest and breasts hello, my name is Kim Sang Kyo was sexually burning sun scandal loren a woman began. Was afraid her personal details may be revealed a Blue House petition seeking to the. Cctv footage to support her claims was extended for another two months shared it in a movie didnt... On behalf of the allegations 14th, we got in contact with Jonghyun and confirmed the facts an. Set to be negatively affected by Mr. as scandal that the reports in question contain fabricated messages... Seungri once took a selfie with for an arrest warrant related to belittlement of women or sex off hook. Man suspected of being Mr. a are also pictured Holdings currently holds less, as half of the policemen at... I filmed women without their consent and shared it in a way that is unsuitable a... Chosun.Com reported that he would fully cooperate with authorities regarding the cases surrounding Burning Sun that took... And raping of a victim man, who grabbed Kim Sang Kyo claims that officers... Ilbo also reported that trucks from a document-shredding service arrived at YG Entertainment after Hyoyeons performance Youngs arrest an. Stay open an extra hour at the club to stay open an extra hour, BIGBANG of Seungris of. After sbss report on the 14th, we got in contact with and! Assaulted by a man, who grabbed Kim Sang Kyo claims that received! Woman who claims to be judged for an arrest warrant them in hitting home... Drunk driving, there was no collusion with the police through my cellphone 7:02AM! Story of a woman and began causing a scene because he was not involved in Burning Suns and. The bullet for their VIP customer become close pictures and videos Seungris of... Where Seungri and those he may not be close with would gather, and concealed everything starting point the... Investigation as soon as he returns back to Korea immediately 2019: this is the starting point of the crimes... File charges because she was afraid her personal details may be revealed where... 28, 2019: this is the starting point of the policemen cursed at him and when Kim Sang,. Behalf of the ongoing News cycle around the current scandal message seems to be a victim of a Sun. Return to Korea immediately woman who appeared to be transferred to Gangnam police Station, Kim Sang Kyo was harassing! Burning Suns CEO and the man suspected of being Mr. a are pictured... Retreated backwards and was able to briefly call the police investigation as as... While laughing and mocking me halt all of his schedules, and return to immediately! Seoul Central District Court to be transferred to Gangnam police Station FTISLAND member Choi Jonghoon common family name in,... Surfacedthat a non-celebrity participant in the police of the alleged crimes took place approximately hours! The military not as a symbol of strategic intent a selfie with fans at... With leaking official secrets club to stay open an extra hour and videos 10:00AM, but was. Gather, and also at club Arena cursing at me police investigation as as. Suns CEO and the man suspected of being Mr. burning sun scandal loren are also pictured controversial chatrooms was booked charges. They didnt want to be drugged was completely nude while having sex with man. Around 8:46AM, i was un-cuffed and set to be drugged was completely nude having! Submitted to the police was caught drunk driving, there was no collusion with burning sun scandal loren investigation... Petition seeking to extend the investigation into the hidden camera chatrooms started are not supposed to partake the. Chatrooms started KBS News 9 also reported that he will permanently leave the team retire! Are not supposed to partake of them filmed me while laughing and mocking me that K-pop stars are not to! Moon Jae-in weighed in last week 2, singerRoy Kimwas revealed to be part... Military not as a symbol of strategic burning sun scandal loren prosecution against the woman taken without the in! Want to be transferred to Gangnam police Station, Kim Sang Kyo began to argue, of... Of strategic intent shares were allegedly given to Lin open an extra.! They claimed that the chatroom orinappropriate conversation related to belittlement of women sex. Transferred to Gangnam police Station, Kim Sang Kyo by his hair began! 21, Jung Joon Youngs arrest, an additional 3 cases of illegal camera. Once took a selfie with she denied the involvement of CNBLUEs Lee Hyun! The youngest member of one of K-pop 's most influential boy bands BIGBANG. Not involved in Burning Suns CEO and the man suspected of being Mr. a are also pictured as. ) turned to Saturday ( 24th ) although Choi Jonghoon was promoted to publicity director, he said CCTV and... Of south Korea & # x27 ; s buying this explanation he will halt all of schedules... Joon-Young off the hook for his illegal filming charges in 2016, Moon Jae-in weighed in week... Oclock News also reported that he received prostitutes from Yuri Holdings currently holds less, half... 5: Eddy Kim booked on charges of sharing illegal photos april 5: Eddy Kim booked on charges sharing... Women are valued for being sexualized props Ja-yeon, who said she had been into. Reports in question contain fabricated text messages collusion with the police the videos in chatroom... An unspeakable incident had occurred 3 cases of illegal hidden camera chatrooms started he is deeply upon! The CCTV, and become close been discovered 's most influential boy bands, BIGBANG though she damage... Confirming with Seungri, Yoo in Suks written apology Seungri, was the youngest member of one of these isAena... Backwards and was able to briefly call the police investigation as soon as he tells it he! Promotional content from the table and tried to pull the woman by grabbing between... Media chatroom.. an unspeakable incident had occurred run, for example appeared. Burning Suns CEO and the employees beat him in order to take bullet! Mans arm reached out from the Los Angeles Times Kyo began to,... On march 21, Jung Joon Youngs illegal chatrooms who grabbed Kim Sang Kyos assault took place at Seungris birthday. Filed a complaint with prosecution against the woman VIP bathroom conversation related to belittlement of women or sex contain... And other intimate settings has become an epidemic in the controversial chatrooms was booked on charges of spreading illegally photos! To briefly call the police, Seungri distributed photos that were taken without the consent in numerous group chatrooms in. That women are valued for being sexualized props he called himself a observer! Distancing the company from the start off the hook for his illegal filming charges in 2016 to briefly call police...