Jessi Apologizes After Fan Assault: “I Feel a Moral Responsibility to Him”

On October 12, 2024, K-pop sensation Jessi took to Instagram to issue an apology following a disturbing incident involving the assault of a fan in her presence. In her heartfelt statement, she shared her perspective on the ordeal and expressed a sense of moral duty towards the victim. The heartfelt message read:

“Regardless of the circumstances, I am deeply saddened that my fan suffered such an injustice, and I feel a moral responsibility to him.”

On October 11, JTBC’s Crime Chief reported that an alleged fan of Jessi accused her acquaintance of assaulting him on September 29, 2024. This news ignited backlash among Korean netizens who felt Jessi’s response was inadequate, claiming she left the scene without intervening.

Jessi Clarifies Her Perspective in Her Apology

In her statement, Jessi described how a fan approached her during a casual meeting with an acquaintance, requesting a photo. She informed him that she could not take a picture, citing the late hour as her reason. Despite being asked twice, she turned down his request both times.

Jessi countered the fan’s account by stating that the assailant was someone she had never encountered prior to that incident. She conveyed how the unexpected nature of the event left her feeling flustered and unable to act thoughtfully toward her fan.

Moreover, she reassured her followers that both she and her management team are actively coordinating with the victim and his family to achieve an apology and financial restitution from the individual responsible for the assault.

“Since the occurrence, my agency and I have been in touch with the victim’s mother, working to secure an apology as well as compensation from the perpetrator. We are committed to ensuring he faces the consequences of his actions.”

Release of Surveillance Footage

The victim, an 18-year-old minor, reported that the incident unfolded in an alley in Apgujeong, Seoul, in the early hours of the morning. He approached Jessi for an autograph and picture, but an acquaintance of hers obstructed him, hurling insults in English.

Jessi, however, politely declined the request for a photo. As they were leaving, another individual unexpectedly attacked him, subjecting him to punches and kicks without any warning.

Expressing his disillusionment, the victim stated:

“I don’t know if she left because she didn’t want to be involved, but I was really let down. You can see in the footage that she just stood there. I admired her as a celebrity, but this has significantly diminished my respect for her.”

JTBC’s Crime Chief subsequently released the surveillance footage, capturing the moment when Jessi’s entourage intervened and pulled the assailant away post-assault. Initially, the K-pop star attempted to intervene but ultimately stepped back and left the scene.

Afterward, the victim’s mother visited Jessi’s management, where she was informed that Jessi did not recognize the attacker, who was an acquaintance of a producer related to her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7TKIu6m5_g

가수 제시에 사진 요청했다가 일행에 폭행당한 팬 / JTBC 사건반장 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7TKIu6m5_g)

Jessi and her legal counselors asserted that she had no prior knowledge of the assailant, having only met him for the first time that day. Nevertheless, they expressed a willingness to offer moral compensation if the victim feels she is connected to the attacker.

The Gangnam Police are currently spearheading the investigation and plan to question the producer who was with Jessi that night next week.

Jessi, known for her breakout single “Get Up”in 2005, has worked with various renowned labels including PSY’s P NATION and Jay Park’s More Vision. Recently, she launched her own company, UNNI, also known as UNNI Co. or THE BIG SISTER COMPANY.

Source