After months of living in Los Angeles, actors Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung have returned to Korea.
He was in Los Angeles to work on the film "Terminator Genysis" and to further talks with Hollywood producers about starring in an upcoming film with Anthony Hopkins and Al Pacino.
But the couple also saw the benefit of removing first-time mother-to-be Lee Min Jung from the full assault of the publicity surrounding her husband's blackmail case. The case made the news in August 2014 when it was revealed that singer-actress Da Hee and model Lee Ji Yeon had attempted to extort $5 million from the actor. If he did not pay them, they would release video footage of him engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. He reported them to the police and they were arrested and prosecuted. Claims of an affair between Lee Byung Hun and Lee Ji Yeon were made and denied.
"Cunning Single Lady" star Lee Min Jung much of that time in her parents' home leading some to assume that the marriage was in trouble. But then she announced her pregnancy and joined her husband in Los Angeles.
Press and fans alike greeted the couple when they arrived at the airport at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 26. Lee Byung Hun escorted his wife through the exit and then returned to talk to the press.
Those present reported that he looked tired and nervous. Observers noticed that the couple was no longer wearing their wedding rings. The lack of a ring on Lee Min Jung's fingers could be attributed to her fingers swelling, which often happens during pregnancy. While he offered no explanation for the lack of wedding rings, he did apologize.
"I should have apologized to you earlier and I'm sorry that I did not," he said.
He apologized for disappointing his fans.
"Because this all started with me, it's right that I should receive the blame," he said. "I know very well what you are disappointed about, but because of my foolish behavior, a long period of time has passed. I know many have been hurt and disappointed by me. I will deeply reflect and try harder in the future."
He also specifically mentioned his wife and family.
"Most of all I am indebted to my wife and family so much that I could never repay them. I want to apologize to all of you once again. I am sorry."
The actor has submitted a letter of apology for the mistake he made that led to the blackmail case. He wrote to the court asking that his blackmailer Lee Ji Yeon and Da Hee be pardoned. Lee Ji Yeon was sentence to a year and two months in prison, while Da Hee was sentenced to a year.
