Lee Byung Hun's management agency, BH Entertainment, has issued a press release warning about the spread of malicious rumors.
Recently two young women allegedly tried to blackmail the actor with video footage taken on a smartphone. They demanded money or they would release the footage, which they said would incriminate him. One of the blackmailers was identified as Dahee, 20, a member of the girl group GLAM and the other is a 25-year-old model.
Lee Byung Hun reported the blackmail attempt to the police and the young women were called in for questioning. The story naturally received a lot of attention but it has also generated some unsavory rumors about Lee Byung Hun's behavior.
The agency cautions that it will take action against anyone spreading such false or malicious rumors. These rumors will be considered slander and anyone who makes or spreads them may be prosecuted.
They stress that Lee Byung Hun is a victim in this crime and does not deserve to be punished further.
According to the press release, "Despite being the victim of a premeditated crime, Lee Byung Hun is experiencing secondary damage from the indiscreet news articles that give rise to speculative rumors about a cast that hasn't even been fully investigated."
While it may be natural to discuss the case, BH says that some of the rumors cross a line and can be considered malicious.
"This can be seen as encouraging the crime at hand so we have already submitted a case to a cyber investigation team as well. We will take any legal action necessary to stop this."
Dahee and the model said that they met Lee Byung Hun at a bar with a mutual friend this summer. They said that the conversation covered some inappropriate topics. After recording it, they wanted $5 million or they would release the footage.
Lee Byung Hun reported the blackmail attempt to the police, who issued a search warrant for the homes of the blackmailers. They recovered a laptop and a smartphone. Both Dahee and the model admitted their part in the incident. According to the BH press release, the blackmailers were planning to go to Europe as soon as they got their money.
Asking for that much money classifies their crime as a serious felony in Korea. The blackmailers could face a sentence of up to five years in prison. According to The Chosun Ilbo, the two women were arrested on Sept. 3 and taken to the Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office.
BH ended their press release with the request that no one be misled by false rumors or reports.
