Despite releasing the statement on Sunday by veteran actor Lee Soon Jae, the actor was still put in the hot seat for initially denying allegations and even took legal action, only to find out the former manager has voice recordings as evidence.
Previously, the agency announced that the former manager was exaggerating his claims. However, last Sunday his agency released a statement confirming the allegations and the veteran actor has even asked the public to stop criticizing the former manager whom he treated unfairly while he was working for him and even released an apology letter.
Lee Soon Jae said, "The information that my ex-manager revealed to the press was correct."
Going back, the ex-manager mentioned he was treated like a servant. Moreover, he was asked to take out the rubbish, lift heavy objects, take the laundry to the dry cleaners plus he was working overtime and was unjustly compensated.
Additionally, the former manager did not sign a proper work contract during his interview with SBS on June 29. Plus, when he asked for an insurance coverage, he was unfairly dismissed as the actor's manager.
So, as a respected and veteran actor, he would not want to let this pass. He admitted his shortcomings as a person and as someone who is already eighty-four years old. He issued a formal letter to address the misunderstanding formally.
In his apology letter, the actor sincerely apologized, especially to his fans who trusted and supported him about the controversial allegation on how he treated his former manager. Also, he addressed the letter to his fellow actors, aspiring actors, and students for not setting a good example to them and is deeply sorry for his actions.
He added that although his agency released a statement regarding the matter, as a veteran actor loved by many citizens, it is proper that he addressed his apology letter personally and believed it was a right thing to do.
The actor even admitted that he lacked virtue and lost sight of his rule of respecting other people. He had a conversation with his former manager and even sympathized with the manger. He gave the former manager a chance to explain his side of the story which the actor received very well and gave the manager as apology. He confirmed that the information released by his former manager to the press was correct and he has already asked for an apology.
He added, "It's wrong to not differentiate work pertaining to home and work, and I'll be sure that it never happens again." He also addressed his letter to his future managers, that he already asked his agency's CEO to make sure that whoever may be his manager will get full insurance regardless of their current status of employment.
The actor also noticed that a lot of criticism was attacking his former manager resulting to affect him and his family from suffering mentally as they are not celebrities who are accustomed to harsh comments.
The veteran actor humbly asked the public to let go of the issue and stop attacking his former manager as he has nothing to do with it but it was all because of the actor's own doing. One thing is for sure, he wants his ex-manager to heal from the disappointment brought by this controversy.
He ended his letter by saying, "As a result of this incident, the managers I work with as well as other persons related to the industry were faced with hardships. As someone who's lived his whole life as an actor, I am reflecting upon my actions in agony for not considering their hardships. For the rest of my life, I'll be sure to think about what I can do for the rights and interests of my fellow colleagues and see it through with action. I promise to become an actor who can be of help to those suffering similar hardships."
