Popular singer accused of three sexual assaults

By Lee Kyung-min

Police began investigating into JYJ boy band member Park Yu-chun, Friday, over allegations that he sexually assaulted three women.

Gangnam Police Station said it is investigating allegations raised by three women, all of whose identities were withheld, who have claimed that Park raped them in bathrooms.

The first allegation was raised last Friday by a bar waitress, who claimed that Park raped her in a bathroom inside a small room in a bar in Gangnam, June 4.

The woman dropped the charge against him Wednesday saying the sexual intercourse was consensual.

The second allegation was raised Thursday, by another bar waitress, who also claimed that Park raped her in a bathroom in a bar in Gangnam, Dec. 16.

Initially, she didn’t want him to be charged but later changed her testimony and pressed charges. The woman said Thursday the retraction was out of fear that she might lose her job. She added that she decided to step forward after learning that she was not the only woman violated by a man with such a well-established image of being a “gentle heartthrob.”

The third alleged victim came forward Friday, saying she was raped by Park in the bathroom of his house, June 12, 2014. The woman said she had met Park at a bar in Gangnam while drinking with a group of friends a day earlier, on June 11, and the group went to Park’s house to drink more.

Police plan to summon Park after questioning two alleged victims.

His management agency C-JeS Entertainment issued a statement Friday apologizing for the scandal.

"Park is shocked by the crisis as a serious allegation such as this could cost him his career. The singer said he would retire if any of the allegations are proven to be true,” it said.