Choi Won-suk is a photojournalist at The Korea Times. Before joining the newspaper, he also worked as a photojournalist with AFP and St. Joseph News-Press in Missouri. He spent 13 years in the United States, graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master of Arts in Photography from Ohio University - Athens. Over the past 11 years, Choi covered various news events such as presidential elections, the 2019 North Korea-United States Hanoi Summit and 2022 Qatar World Cup. But above all, Choi believes in local journalism and finds a lot of joy telling life stories of ordinary citizens in small neighborhoods.
Sex, lies and video: K-pop world rocked by sex scandals
South Korea police are questioning two K-pop stars, including boyband Big Bang's Seungri, over allegations of sex tapes, secret chat about rape, and deals facilitated by prostitutes.
A growing sex scandal is shaking up the world of K-pop.
Seungri, a member of boy band, Big Bang, arrived at a Seoul police station for questioning on Thursday (March 14), as he and other SouthKorean celebrities face growing allegations of sex tapes, prostitutes and a secret chat about rape.
K-POP BOY BAND BIG BANG'S MEMBER SEUNGRI SAYING:
"I'm sorry to everyone who has been hurt. I will face the investigation and answer questions truthfully."
The singer, whose real name is Lee Seung Hyun, has been accused of what's called 'sexual bribery.'
Seungri bows in apology to the public in front of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu on Thursday. He said little to journalists as he made his way inside the building. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Choi Won-suk
Police say he provided prostitutes for foreign investors in his private club though he denies the allegations.
According to local media, he was also a member of a secret chat group where members joked about drugging and raping women.
Singer Jung Joon-young was also in the group.
He admitted this week to sharing videos he secretly took while having sex with women.
Lee and Jung have both had their contracts terminated by their agencies, but this might just be the tip of the iceberg.
Jung Joon-young looks back as he walks to Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu for questioning on Thursday morning. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
REUTERS CORRESPONDENT, JOORI ROH SAYING:
"Seeing how it started out with Seungri then the member of the chatroom Jung being revealed, there are still a lot left to find out. Some other celebrities who were involved in the chatrooms are also known to be under investigation."
A petition calling on South Korea's president to crack down on the entertainment industry has garnered more than 200 thousand signatures. (Reuters)