Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
EXCLUSIVE Georgetown University to investigate Roy Kim over sexual misconduct
Singers Roy Kim, behind, and Jung Joon-young after a workout, in a photo Kim posted in October. Roy Kim's Instagram
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho, Kim Jae-heun
Georgetown University will conduct its own investigation into sexual misconduct allegations involving K-pop star Roy Kim, who is a student there.
The university in Washington, D.C., said Wednesday it will look into allegations that Kim (whose Korean name is Kim Sang-woo), 25, shared online sexual photos of women without consent with other people, including singer Jung Joon-young.
“Georgetown is committed to making sure that reported cases of sexual misconduct are investigated and responded to promptly and thoroughly,” university spokesman Matt Hill told The Korea Times. “We take this work extremely seriously and are committed to evaluating each case sensitively and fairly.”
Hill said the school will hold accountable those who violated any of its student conduct policies.
This comment comes a day after Kim returned to Korea to face a police investigation into the accusations. Police have already named him as a suspect after confirming that he shared at least one illegally taken photo with his friends in a Kakao Talk chatroom.
Police are expected to look into whether he took the image on his own.
Jung, a singer and Kim's close friend, has already been arrested on similar charges.
Kim started his singing career in 2012 by winning TV talent show “Superstar K4.” During the show, he developed a friendship with Jung, who finished third in the competition.
In Korea, if someone is convicted of distributing the images of someone's private parts without consent, the person could face up to five years in prison or a maximum fine of 30 million won ($26,000).
Georgetown says on its website that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by its policy. Students found violating its code of conduct may be disciplined. The most severe sanction is dismissal ― permanent termination of his or her relationship with the school.
Roy Kim arrives at Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Wednesday, to undergo questioning over his alleged sharing of sex photos online. Yonhap
Kim questioned by police
On the same day, Kim was questioned by police at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
He is the fourth celebrity summoned by police in the growing sex and drugs scandal, following Jung, Seungri of boy band BIGBANG and Choi Jong-hoon of FT Island.
“First of all, I sincerely apologize to my fans, family and the people who gave me much love and support,” Kim said as he arrived at the police agency in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, at 2:44 p.m. “I will answer questions truthfully.”
He is also facing an allegation that he used illegal drugs, which was implied in a conversation in the group chat room. Members of the group used words like “meat” or “candy,” slang often used to describe drugs.
Kim did not respond to questions from the press about why he uploaded the sex photo and if he took the photo himself. He only responded “I am sorry” when asked whether he would undergo drug testing.
Kim returned to Korea from New York, Tuesday morning at 4:30 a.m.