Nah Sang-hyun reverses stance on sexual misconduct, denies allegation
Band Nah's vocalist Nah Sang-hyun / Captured from his Instagram
Nah Sang-hyun, front man of the indie act Band Nah, is at the center of growing controversy after his agency, January, issued a statement Monday contradicting Nah’s earlier public apology over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last week, Nah, 30, released an apology via social media in response to an online post that accused him of touching a woman’s thigh during a drinking session years ago.
“Though I was under the influence and don’t clearly remember the specifics, I now realize my actions caused harm,” Nah wrote in his statement, implicitly acknowledging the accusation. He also expressed regret for not apologizing at the time and said he had been working to correct his behavior over the past few years.
However, his agency has now taken a different stance, claiming no misconduct occurred.
“We apologize for the confusion and discomfort caused by the expose-style post targeting Nah Sang-hyun,” January said in its official statement. “We also regret the delay in issuing our position, which was due to internal shortcomings in our response system.”
According to the agency, Nah’s decision to post an apology came before the facts were fully confirmed and stemmed from a personal belief that it was better to acknowledge concerns rather than remain silent when someone claims harm. “The artist issued the statement based on a sense of moral responsibility, not a confirmation of guilt,” the agency said.
January further said that the portion of Nah’s statement mentioning a period of reflection over the past “three to four years” was not an admission of sexual misconduct, but rather a reference to a time when he was reviewing his drinking habits and lifestyle overall.
Despite this, the backlash has intensified. Band Nah has already been dropped from the lineup of the 2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival scheduled for Aug. 1. The band is also slated for a nationwide concert tour next month, but growing public criticism has cast doubt over its future activities.
January concluded its statement by requesting that the public refrain from spreading unfounded speculation or defamation against Nah or other members of Band Nah. The agency said it has appointed legal counsel and is preparing to take appropriate action.
Nah debuted in 2014 and has since led Band Nah as its vocalist and guitarist, writing and composing the group’s songs.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.