Actor apologizes over sex scandal

Actor Lee Byung-hun apologizes over a recent blackmail scandal at Incheon International Airport, Thursday. / Yonhap

By Lee Min-hyung

Actor Lee Byung-hun has apologized over a recent blackmail scandal.

“I should have apologized earlier, (but couldn’t),” he said Thursday at Incheon International Airport, after returning from the U.S.

“I am in debt to my family for the rest of my life. I would like to make a humble apology to all those who have supported me so far. I am so sorry.”

Last September, Lee filed a lawsuit against two women he said had blackmailed him using a video that contained Lee’s “lewd comments.”

The two women were given a one-year jail sentence last month. The Seoul Central District Court said model Lee Ji-jeon and girl group GLAM member Kim Da-hee had attempted to blackmail Lee for a total of 5 billion won ($4.6 million).

Lee has kept a low profile since the scandal.

A few days after the two women were sentenced, Lee’s wife said she was due to have a baby in April.