Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Court rejects arrest warrant for K-pop star Koo Hara's ex-boyfriend
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Seoul Central District Court rejected the prosecutors' request for an arrest warrant for Choi Jong-bum, who is accused of threatening to leak intimate videos of his ex-girlfriend, K-pop star Koo Hara.
“The suspect threatened to leak the videos after the victim (Koo) attacked him and injured his face, which is enough to affect his everyday life,” the court said, Wednesday. “Also considering the videos were not leaked to a third person, we decided there are no reasonable grounds or need to arrest him for investigation.”
On Sept. 13, the two physically attacked each other and Choi reported Koo's attack to the police. On Sept. 27, new information emerged that Choi threatened to leak their sex videos. He allegedly sent a clip to her and threatened he would end her celebrity career, and CCTV footage showed Koo begging on her knees, which turned the investigation into a revenge pornography case.
The police searched Choi's house, vehicle, mobile phone and USB devices, but found no evidence of an attempted leak.
They said they would decide whether to request an arrest warrant again soon.