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By iamraeiam | October 19, 2024
Jessi has appeared before the police in connection with an assault incident involving her entourage.
On October 11, JTBC reported that an 18-year-old fan of Jessi was assaulted by a person accompanying the artist in southern Seoul in the early hours of September 29. In an interview with JTBC’s investigative program, the victim explained that Jessi declined after introducing himself as a fan and requesting a photo. He claimed he apologized for bothering her and turned to leave, but a person near her suddenly struck him in the face.
The man reported the incident to the police, after which Jessi and her group quickly left the scene.
Jessi uploaded a letter of apology on Instagram on October 12, explaining that she panicked and failed to act appropriately because she did not know the perpetrator in person. According to her agency, the person who assaulted the fan was an acquaintance of Jessi’s producer, whom she had only met that day.
In her statement, Jessi wrote: “A fan recently asked me for a photograph while I was having a private gathering, which I declined twice because it was late at night. At that moment, the victim was beaten by someone who I only saw that day. I failed to care for the fan because I was shocked by how the situation suddenly unfolded.”
“I am deeply regretful of the damage that the victim suffered regardless of any reasons,” she continued. “I feel a sense of moral responsibility. I and my agency have been trying to contact the victim and his mother so that they may be given the rightful apology and compensation from the perpetrator.”
On October 14, the victim of the assault appeared on JTBC’s CRIME CHIEF, sharing his thoughts on Jessi’s apology. The show’s host explained that the victim approached Jessi on the streets of Gangnam, asking for a photo. After being politely rejected, he was about to leave when a group of men accompanying Jessi suddenly assaulted him—one punched him in the stomach, and another pushed his head down. CCTV footage aired during the segment showed the victim approaching Jessi, who was seated with her group, and asking for a photo. Following the rejection, one man moved toward the victim in a threatening manner. Although Jessi attempted to intervene by grabbing the man’s arm to stop him, another man assaulted the victim before she could react, causing her to step back during the altercation.
The victim’s mother expressed frustration regarding Jessi’s apology, stating, “I read Jessi’s apology, but it felt more like an excuse. It doesn’t make sense to claim the attacker ‘suddenly appeared’ when my son saw him right next to Jessi. Jessi claims she tried to intervene, but how could she not stop the man if he wasn’t a stranger?” The victim also voiced doubts about the sincerity of Jessi’s apology, particularly regarding her reference to “moral responsibility.”
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul called Jessi in for questioning around 10 PM on October 16th as a suspect in the case. Authorities are expected to investigate the identities of the assailants and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Jessi expressed her desire for the perpetrators to be quickly identified and punished, stating, “I hope they find the person who hit [the fan] soon and that they are held accountable.” When reporters asked her if she had seen the assailant before, she confirmed, “It was my first time seeing them.” She added an apology to the victim, saying, “I’m so sorry.”
According to police reports, Jessi and her entourage have been formally charged based on the victim’s complaint regarding the assault. Additionally, an online user has accused her of harboring and aiding the perpetrator.
English (US) · 