An influencer who appeared on a dating reality program is said to have been forcibly molested during a performance, prompting the police to verify the facts.
According to a report by Financial News on the 11th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul is investigating the allegations of forced molestation, theft, defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, and insult filed by influencer Kim, who appeared on the Wavve web variety show ToGetHer.
Kim claims that in November last year, in the early morning at a club near Hongik University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, a person identified as A approached her from behind the stage during a performance and repeatedly touched specific parts of her body, including her buttocks. Kim did not resist immediately to continue the show but received video footage of the molestation from a witness.
The complaint also states that on the same day, A took Kim’s leather jacket without consent and refused to return it until demanded. Additionally, Kim accused A of online defamation, citing around 100 posts and 1,800 comments on an online forum mostly containing false information slandering her.
Kim’s legal representative, attorney Kim Tae Yeon, said, “The defamation exploiting the attention Kim received after appearing on ToGetHer severely damaged her social image and business activities. Having endured extreme mental anguish, including a suicide attempt, strict punishment is necessary for recovery.”
On the other hand, A denies all charges. A claims, “There was some physical contact during dancing, but it was in response to the audience’s enthusiasm. Even the club staff did not stop me.” A adds, “About a week after the incident, messages from Kim contained no mention of sexual harassment,” appealing for understanding.
Regarding the theft charge, A disputed it by saying, “I wore the leather jacket for just two to three hours and returned it in person at a place we went to together.” A further argued the charges were retaliatory lawsuits following a political argument with Kim and said he would respond with false accusation claims going forward.