 Ko Young-wook, 36, celebrity and former Roo’Ra member |
Former singer and TV host Ko Young-wook, 36, opened up for the first time since he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor.
“I want you to know that I’m not as immoral as I’m being made out to be,” wrote Ko, former member of disbanded Roo’Ra, in a post on JF Entertainment website, May 9, denying the sexual assault charges. “I wish you’d believe me.”
Ko was initially charged with engaging in sexual activities with an 18-year-old he met during a cable TV program in March. According to reports, he promised to make her a star while drinking with her at his home then sexually assaulted her, once on March 30 then again in April.
The case is currently under reinvestigation for lack of evidence.
“The pain I’m under is too hard to bear. I know what happened better than anyone, but I can’t disclose all the details to the public,” he said in the Internet post. “I don’t know why the accuser sued me when she knows the truth.”
“I will fully cooperate in all investigations relating to the incident, and explain my relationship with the accuser truthfully,” wrote Ko. “I’m sorry for disappointing everyone.”
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency was unable to secure an arrest warrant for Ko due to lack of conclusive evidence, such as medical reports or documents of physical bruising.
The below is Ko’s Internet post:
This is Ko Young-wook.
I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused over the shameful incident. I decided to write this because I felt I should explain myself in the middle of this confusing and painful situation.
Watching the incident get bigger and bigger, I have realized I should stop hiding behind my management. Thus, I decided to tell my side of the story.
The pain I’m under is too hard to bear. I know what happened better than anyone, but I can’t disclose all the details to the public.
But I don’t know why the accuser sued me when she knows the truth.
I want to apologize to my fans, to everyone who have supported me and to the public. I feel responsible for bearing ill news and want to apologize from the bottom of my heart.
I will fully cooperate in all investigations relating to the incident, and explain my relationship with the accuser truthfully.
I can’t tell the public all the details, but I want you to know that I’m not as immoral as I’m being made out to be. I wish you’d believe me.
This incident is a scar that neither the accuser nor I can ever forget. I can’t lie to you just to ease the pain.
Again, I’m sorry for the trouble.
I apologize for causing confusion, for not doing justice to your faith and love, and for having to write about this incident when I should be giving you laughs and joy. I feel responsible for everything and I’m sorry for disappointing everyone.
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