Singer and songwriter Yoo Jae-hwan expressed his stance regarding being acquitted of the allegations of fraud related to composition fees.
On the 28th, Yoo Jae-hwan stated on his personal social media account, "As a result, the group lawsuit was processed as acquitted. I apologize for causing social controversy. However, the words and actions that never happened have been circulated as if they were true in articles, which has been very distressing."
Yoo Jae-hwan said, "The news of my mother's death, living without my father, has kept me from stepping outside my home. Due to panic disorder, going out into the world was terrifying, but now I intend to muster the courage to try. For those who applied for the free composition project with inflated dreams because of me and for those who helped me during difficult times, I will refund and repay everyone I think I owe."
He added, "Of course, it will take a considerable amount of time, but I earnestly ask you to wait a little patiently with broad generosity. I apologize once again. No matter what business it may be, whether in the music business or otherwise, I will not spend a single penny and will return it to you all."
On the 10th, the Seoul Gangseo Police Station decided not to forward the case against Yoo Jae-hwan, who was collectively sued by 23 people for fraud, due to insufficient evidence.
The complainants filed a lawsuit on August 12 last year, stating, "Despite receiving composition fees, Yoo Jae-hwan had neither the will nor the ability to compose and took a total of over 55 million won from 23 people." However, the police concluded that there was insufficient evidence to determine that Yoo Jae-hwan lacked the intent or ability to produce the songs.
Below is the statement from Yoo Jae-hwan
Hello, I am composer and singer Yoo Jae-hwan.
As a result, the group lawsuit was processed as acquitted.
I apologize for causing social controversy.
However, the words and actions that never happened have been circulated as if they were true in articles, which has been very distressing.
It has been 5 months since my mother passed away. Frankly speaking, the news of my mother's death, living without my father, kept me from stepping outside my home... Because of that panic disorder, going out into the world was terrifying.
However, now I intend to muster the courage to go out.
Because of me, those who applied for the free composition project with inflated dreams, those who helped me during difficult times, and everyone I think I owe, I will refund and repay everybody.
Of course, it will take a considerable amount of time, but I earnestly request you to wait a little patiently with broad generosity.
I apologize once again.
Whatever the business may be, whether in the music business or otherwise, I will not spend a single penny and will return it to you all.
P.S. I was unable to contact many of you because I felt fear at how my words would come up in the group chat in real-time, and as my lawyer said, my words could be seen as a threat. I was advised that contacting you while the investigation was not completed could be dangerous, so I could not do so. If you could wait a little longer, I will organize the contacts alphabetically and reach out to you soon.
[OSEN = Reporter Jang Woo-young]