Jo Jae-hyun (also known as Cho Jae-hyun or 조재현 in Korean), a South Korean film, stage, and TV actor has joined the long list of celebrities accused of sexual harassment.
On Friday, 23 February, actress Choi Yul has come forward about her experience with the 52 year-old actor. She uploaded a screenshot of Jo Jae Hyun’s profile on her personal Instagram and wrote:
“I was waiting for you to get exposed. It came a lot earlier than I had expected. This is only the beginning. There are many more trashy [people] out there. I can’t say much since I have a lot to lose, but until the day all perverts disappear, #metoo #with you.”
Following the accusations, on Saturday, 24 February, Jo Jae-hyun released a statement, admitting he is a “sinner”:
“This is Jo Jae Hyun. The first rumor claimed an actor who is also a theater owner forcibly kissed a young staff member after making her sit on his lap. When these rumors came out, I was planning to explain myself because some parts of the story are different than the truth. Shortly afterwards, I came across another interview that raises other suspicions. I was surprised because I had no memory of it. I had an awful mindset at the time, and I thought it was just slander. A few news articles began making false speculations as well, so I hoped it would all just come to an end. Instead of reflecting on myself, I spent time having shameful and crude thoughts. I’m a monster for trying to avoid the results of my idiotic thoughts and disgusting actions in the past. I confess. I’ve lived a wrong life. Throughout my 30-year acting career, I’ve made many mistakes with morally wrong words and actions towards my colleagues, staff members, and juniors. I’m a sinner. I bow my head in apology to the victims who’ve been greatly hurt. I plan to put everything down. I will no longer think of myself. I won’t try to avoid it. I’ll put [my career] down. From now on, I’ll look back on my life with a remorseful heart towards the victims. I’m very ashamed and sorry.”
The #MeToo movement is constantly growing as more victims are coming forward about sexual harassment in the Korean entertainment industry. Lately, more and more celebrities are being accused of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment, including Oh Dal-su, Kim Ki-duk, Jo Min-ki, Lee Yoon-taek, Lee Hyun-joo, and Cho Geun-hyun.
Ha Jae-keun, a culture professor at Kyung Hee University told the Korea Herald that to Koreans, the idea that celebrities should speak up for social issues is still unfamiliar.
