According to media outlets, on November 25, the 9th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court acquitted “A,” who had been indicted on defamation charges the previous month.
On June 10, 2022, “A” posted on an online community site that they had been assaulted twice by H.O.T.’s Jang Woo Hyuk. The first assault occurred in early 2014 during an overseas business trip, revealing that Jang suddenly punched them on the back of the head with a hand wearing a leather glove.
The assault reportedly continued at the broadcasting station. Before a 2020 performance, Jang reportedly slapped “A”’s hand while trying to put on his mic pack.
I’ve received a lot of verbal abuse and personal attacks from Jang Woo Hyuk regularly, but I thought it was something I had to endure. I decided to endure it and work, so I took responsibility for everything. Some people around me told me that he didn’t hit me as much because I was a woman.
— “A”
With this, Jang Woo Hyuk sued “A” for defamation, claiming that the allegations were untrue, and clapped back, saying he was the one who was assaulted.
I was organizing the microphone and other equipment on my waist before the performance, and I needed help with the cords because it was hard to see. “A” was nearby, but instead of helping, she just watched. When I asked for help, she hit my right hand so hard it made a huge sound.
— Jang Woo Hyuk
Jang also claimed that the assault left him suffering from stage fright and PTSD.
However, the court found Jang’s testimony to be unreliable, stating that there was no record of him complaining of pain or injury from the assault.
Considering the relationship between the company CEO and the employees, it’s difficult to believe that ‘A’ assaulted Jang without any reason. Instead, it’s natural that Jang, who held a superior position, became emotional and hit ‘A’.
— Court
Regarding ‘A’s statement, the court acquitted “A” and stated, “It is specific and naturally consistent with the circumstances. If it was fabricated for defamation, likely, it was dramatically depicted to the extent and expression of assault.”
K-Netizens were shocked to find out that the alleged victim was a woman.
- “I remember reading about this before, but he sued the victim? That’s too much…”
- “Didn’t H.O.T. recently perform somewhere? To think that he performed on stage in front of fans while all this was going on…”
- “I can’t say that I was a fan anymore…please live properly…”
- “To think he does that often…”
- “OMG it was a female employee? It’s bad enough he sued her, but what’s with the prosecution appealing it?”
- “Can’t believe he sued her…”
Meanwhile, the prosecution is currently appealing the first trial’s decision.