When the former manager of the veteran actor Lee Soon Jae was fired by the actor and insisted he was mistreated, his agency SG Way Entertainment released an official statement on July 1, with details including his apology to the previous manager as the dispute seemed to continue between them.

During an interview on June 29, Lee's previous manager aired his sentiments about Lee's inappropriate behavior towards him. That's why Lee's agency has to step forward and try to settle the dispute.

According to the report, the former manager started working for the actor for two months last March. He stated that he worked longer hours than usual without a contract and social security. Adding to that, he was unrightfully dismissed after he asked to be granted insurance coverage.

Moreover, the manager felt he was treated like a slave because he had to do household work like recycling garbage and moving packages of water.

On July 1, Lee's agency announced the cancelation of the actor's press conference on July 2 because of the current situation brought by the pandemic. They were supposed to counter the several allegations of the manager that it was exaggerated, lest it was not pursued.

According to SG Way Entertainment, the actor, including his wife, hoped to apologize in person the soonest if the manager is willing to provide them a chance. Additionally, the agency said that holding a press con and releasing only the actor's position could be insensitive to the manager, deeply troubled by the issue, so the press conference won't happen.

The agency addressed the veteran actor's statement, stating, "I feel sorry for disappointing those who rooted for me. I'm still lacking. I'll strive to be a better person than I've been in whatever life I've left."

The agency further added that the reason for firing the manager was because of insubordination and had nothing to do with the actor. The agency explained that it was supposed to be their responsibility to handle the work contract of the former manager, paying for the extra time worked as well as legal processes of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Most likely, the manager was being unprofessional and attacked the actor right away without consulting the agency.

Baek Sung Bo, also a former manager of Lee, is in doubt and does not fully believe the manager's allegations towards the actor. Baek has been Lee's manager for eighteen months. On June 30, Baek posted on his Instagram, stating, "Mr. Lee Soon Jae isn't a person who treats someone like a slave. Although he doesn't show his emotions that much, he always tried not to trouble people and strived to be a role model for others."

Baek could probably attest that the actor and his wife are good people, incapable of enslaving others, especially a manager.

Who knows what the real story is? One thing is for sure: there are always two sides of the story.

Lee Soon Jae has been in the industry for six decades, which is why it isn't surprising that he has a long list of dramas and films. He was given second-class Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit for his excellent work as an actor.

We hope this issue will die down fast as this is no good for the veteran actor, considering his age.