Actor and director Yang Ik-jun has spoken out regarding allegations of assault against a junior colleague.
On the afternoon of the 5th, at a location in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Yang Ik-jun stated, "The complainant A has been inflating malicious stories that contradict the facts I know and have experienced, both to the media and the police. So I felt the need to clarify."
Yang Ik-jun mentioned that A is not someone from the industry, saying, "In an interview with a media outlet, A mentioned that because the industry is small, if they fall out with me, they might face some disadvantages. A is an amateur filmmaker who started making films a few years ago," and added, "I got to know A when they participated as a cinematographer in a small film workshop I conducted in December 2023."
According to Yang Ik-jun, on the day of the incident, he offered A a workshop opportunity along with a tuition fee, as A was in a difficult situation. However, A insisted on doing it for free.
Yang Ik-jun explained, "There were 9 to 12 people, including A and me, at the location where the incident occurred. It was a small place with tables close together," and added, "I felt sorry and frustrated when A said they would do it for free, so I lightly tapped A's head with a notepad of about 15 B5 pages, saying 'Oh, come on.' It reminded me of a time when I couldn't take care of myself, and I felt regret for not being able to do so."
He continued, "After finishing the conversation, A was chatting and laughing with the store owner B, and they enjoyed the pasta that B made. It was a cheerful situation when we parted ways."
However, a few days later, he received a call from A, saying, "I was sleeping after finishing work when I got a call around 3 AM, and it was A. When I asked why they called, A kept screaming for 19 minutes, asking why I hit them, which made me tremble and feel scared, so I apologized."
He revealed that through a mediator who knows both him and A, they reached a reconciliation, and at that time, A proposed a statement acknowledging the assault and admitting to making unverified claims during a 'confession' screening.
In response, Yang Ik-jun said, "At first, I couldn't agree to the statement proposed by A, which would label me as a violent director," but added, "After going home and thinking it over, my emotions calmed down, and I realized I was lacking. I agreed to accept the statement sent by the mediator, thinking that this incident happened because of my shortcomings, and we shook hands, put our arms around each other, and took a photo."
However, A later changed their mind, stating, "A said that the case was out of my hands and that they couldn't withdraw the complaint," and added, "What reason would I have to hit someone I was trying to help? If I made A feel uncomfortable, I apologize. But assault? I still can't understand it. If there was indeed an assault, based on the facts I know, my truth, my intentions, and the testimonies of those present, I will accept punishment. I cannot accept that I assaulted anyone."
He mentioned that he has also suffered damage since the incident, saying, "The investment for a screenplay I wrote previously fell through. There are only a few theaters left for the film's release," and added, "If I have committed a crime, I will accept the consequences with dignity. A is hiding behind anonymity and the media, ruining my life. If A wants this to be resolved as it was initially agreed upon, without any additions, I hope they will respond through the mediators. I will go to the prosecution the day after tomorrow to take a lie detector test. Please respond by then."
It was reported last month on the 11th that Yang Ik-jun was booked by the police on assault charges. He is accused of hitting junior film staff A multiple times with a wad of paper and verbally abusing them at a pub he operates in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on December 13 of last year. A filed a complaint with the police ten days later, on December 30 of last year.
The Seongbuk Police Station in Seoul has sent Yang Ik-jun to the Seoul Northern District Prosecutor's Office without detention on assault charges.
A claimed in an interview with a media outlet, "Yang Ik-jun scolded me for my tone during a meeting where he said he would provide a lecture opportunity, and I was hit multiple times with A4 sheets of paper, totaling 20 to 30 pages," and added, "He hit me in a humiliating manner."
On the 12th of last month, Yang Ik-jun stated at the screening of the film 'Confession', "We met to help each other and had a friendly conversation, yet I was accused of assault. They claim I assaulted someone I was trying to help," and emphasized, "I want to make it clear that A's statements in the articles are completely different from the truth."
Yang Ik-jun gained attention in the domestic and international film industry for his debut feature film 'The Day After' in 2009, where he took on the roles of director, screenwriter, and lead actor. He has appeared in dramas such as 'It's Okay, That's Love', 'Queen of Mystery', and 'Bad Guys', as well as the Netflix original series 'Hell'.
