Yang Ik-joon Finally Speaks Out on Assault Controversy: "You Might Laugh in Disbelief..." [Full Statement]

Director and actor Yang Ik-joon, known for his roles in Ddongpari, Bad Guys (starring Ma Dong-seok) and Conduct Zero (starring Gong Hyo-jin), was recently embroiled in allegations of assaulting a junior colleague. He has finally spoken out.

On February 12, a press screening and stage greeting for the film Confessions was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul. Yang Ik-joon, the film's lead actor, attended the event and spoke briefly before the screening.

Previously, on February 10, news broke that Yang Ik-joon had been accused of assault. At the time, the Seongbuk Police Station confirmed that they had booked Yang on charges of assault and were conducting an investigation.

According to police, Yang allegedly struck film staff member A multiple times with a bundle of paper and verbally abused them at a bar he operates on December 13 last year.

Having remained silent since the controversy erupted, Yang addressed the issue at the stage greeting, saying, "Since there is room for misunderstanding, I have written my statement down."

He continued, "I met this person with the intention of helping them, we laughed and had a conversation. But then, they filed an assault complaint against me, and I was sued. The person I was trying to help is now claiming that I assaulted them," he stated. "They made completely false allegations against me, exaggerated the situation anonymously, and spread it to the media."

Firmly denying A’s accusations, Yang added, "I will provide the investigative authorities with an accurate and detailed account without even a millimeter of deviation from the truth." He also suggested that reporters might find the situation absurd once they learn the full truth. "When you realize the facts, you may chuckle and think, ‘We published articles about this?’ Or you might be shocked by some unexpected truths."

Yang also issued a pointed message to A, saying, "You have secretly manipulated and exploited so many people around me. Now, I’ve come to learn everything you have done. It seems I am the final batter in your three-strikes game. Will I be out as well?"

Meanwhile, Confessions follows the story of two friends who get stranded in a blizzard while hiking. Directed by Yamashita Nobuhiro, the film features Yang Ik-joon in the role of Ji-yong, an intense and unhinged character. The film is set to be released on February 19.

Full Statement from Yang Ik-joon

(Since there is room for misunderstanding, I have written my statement down.)

I met this person with the intention of helping them, we laughed and had a conversation. But then, they filed an assault complaint against me, and I was sued. The person I was trying to help is now claiming that I assaulted them.

They made completely false allegations against me, exaggerated the situation anonymously, and spread it to the media. I have never received this much media attention in my entire career in film.

To be clear, the claims made by Choi in the recent articles are entirely false. There is no truth to them whatsoever. I will provide the investigative authorities with an accurate and detailed account without even a millimeter of deviation from the truth. I will also take time to speak with reporters as the case progresses.

However, once you learn the actual facts, you may chuckle and think, ‘We published articles about this?’ Or you might be shocked by some unexpected truths.

If you wish to further investigate the events of that night, I encourage you to contact the three groups of customers who were present at my bar, which is less than 10 square meters and has an open floor plan. You may also speak with the owner of the bar regarding the situation.

Thank you for coming all the way here today. I appreciate you listening to my brief statement.

Regardless of my personal situation, I sincerely hope that the hard work of the cast and crew who put their hearts into this film will be properly recognized and introduced to audiences. Thank you.

Choi Sky, you have secretly manipulated and exploited so many people around me. Now, I’ve come to learn everything you have done. It seems I am the final batter in your three-strikes game. Will I be out as well?