Veteran Actor Lee Young-ha (68), who started acting in the 1970s, is embroiled in a rape scandal involving a former Miss Korea.
Cable channel TV Chosun unveiled an interview with a victim who claims to have been raped by actor Lee Young-ha on “News 7.” Moreover, identified by the surname Kim, it has come to light that Kim is a former Miss Korea and had been an actress in the 1980s.
According to Kim, she was raped by Lee 36 years ago. The sexual abuse occurred at a hotel in Yeouido, a district in Seoul after the two has a photoshoot. “He laid me on the bed and forced himself on me. I remember saying ‘please help me.’ Moreover, while trying to resist Lee, Kim says she sustained bruises. Worse, after the incident, they were scheduled to appear in the same drama. Recalling that time, the victim said that it was painful and difficult.
Until now Kim is unable to forget the incident and want to get a sincere apology from Lee. Moreover, having gathered her courage after 36 years, she hopes to prevent anyone else from becoming a victim.
Whereas Kim has been vocal about Lee Young-ha’s alleged violent attack 36 years ago, Lee has not commented on the allegation. The lack of response is likely because he is currently abroad in Spain. However, it does appear that he has gotten word of the news. On the evening of March 18, Lee deleted his Facebook account, which he had used to post pictures of his travels until now.
As things stand, Lee’s response is likely to be the main issue. Victims are naming sexual predators regularly amid the recent spread of the Me Too movement across Korea Of those accused, some admitted to the crime and apologized, while others argue that the claims made by alleged victims are groundless.
Whether Lee Young-ha will flatly deny the allegation or offers an apology at the request of Kim, who claims to be a victim, is still to be seen.
Translated by O.C
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