Actor Lee Byung Hun apologized to his fans today through a letter that was posted on the Facebook page of his agency. The letter on the BH Entertainment page expressed the way he felt about his recent blackmail attempt. Although he is victim in the blackmail attempt he apologized for any of his actions that might have led to the scandal in the first place.
The scandal first made the headlines earlier this week when Lee Byung Hun reported two young women to the police for attempting to blackmail him. One of the blackmailers has been identified as Dahee, an actress and member of the girl group GLAM. The other has only been identified as a 25-year-old model whose last name is also Lee.
The women attempted to blackmail the actor with video shot on a smartphone. They allegedly demanded $5 million or they would reveal the video footage of what they say is a lewd exchange with the actor.
After Lee Byung Hun reported the incident, the police searched Dahee's home and seized a laptop and smartphone. It was rumored that the footage was leaked but that has not been confirmed. The blackmail incident also provoked unproven potentially career-damaging rumors about the actor.
In the letter Lee Byung Hun acknowledged his part in the incident.
"No matter if the incident was planned or whether I was threatened, before I blame those things I know that it all started because of my carelessness and lack of virtue and I deeply regret my actions and am spending my time reflecting on them. As an actor, who received love from many people, I'm feeling the responsibility in my bones."
He said that what causes him the most pain is that he disappointed and hurt those he loves and cares for the most. Among those is his wife actress Lee Min Jung, who was not home at the time of the incident. The couple married last year.
"Though they're receiving much unwanted attention and going through a difficult time because of me, I'll be trying my hardest for the rest of my life to no longer disappoint my family and wife who stood by me."
He ended with a promise to be careful in the future.
"Though I can't take back the disappointment I've caused you, I'll use discretion for everything in the future," he said. "I'll try to live by doing my best with the work I'm given, and I will always reflect on how enormous my responsibility is toward the love and interest you have shown me."
Although the case is still under investigation, due to the enormity of the extortion fee, the blackmailers potentially face prison sentences of up to five years.
