Jung Ho-jun, who is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, has decided to withdraw from the play he was scheduled to appear in.
On the 28th, the White Ide Theater Company mentioned in an official account, "A controversy concerning an actor who was set to participate in our performance has recently arisen," indirectly referencing Jung Ho-jun's controversy.
They further stated, "The White Ide Theater Company has not taken this matter lightly and has been carefully engaged in internal discussions, including fact verification. We expect that the accurate facts will be clarified through investigations by the authorities in the future, and the actor in question has expressed the intention to withdraw during this process, which the theater company has decided to respect and accept."
The White Ide Theater Company noted, "We value the freedom of art and the importance of expression, but we also believe that ethical responsibility and social trust inside and outside the stage are equally important. To ensure that all cast and crew can focus on creation in a safe and respectful environment, the White Ide Theater Company has been continuously striving to establish a more systematic and healthy production system. We will do our utmost to present a stage that the audience can trust and support in the future."
They also added, "Regarding this controversy, we will act responsibly to ensure that nothing contradicts the principles of the theater company. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this unexpected situation. The White Ide Theater Company will continue to move forward as an organization that bears artistic trust and responsibility based on transparent and mature operations."
Originally, Jung Ho-jun was scheduled to appear in the original play 'The Tonight Show' starting in July. However, controversy arose when a leaked post from an individual claiming to be A, Jung Ho-jun's ex-girlfriend, spread through online communities on the 24th, two months before the performance. According to the post, A, who is 14 years younger than Jung Ho-jun, claimed that she was assaulted habitually and suffered significant financial damage during their one-year relationship.
However, Jung Ho-jun later published a post on social media, stating that he was the one assaulted by A, showing photos of his bloodied face and recordings. He refuted, saying, "The assault situation claimed by A occurred during the process of stopping A from illegally entering my home early in the morning."
Afterward, he posted an additional message on the 27th, stating, "I have never assaulted A. A publicly released photos claiming to show injuries I caused, but I am not a man who assaults women. I have lived my life without even imagining causing harm to another's body. I never imagined that our situation would become something of public attention. Under such circumstances, it is truly not easy for me to engage in the performance with 100% of my body and mind. Therefore, I have informed the directors of various theaters who cast me that I will voluntarily withdraw from all performances I was preparing for, and I seek their understanding. I will take time to collect my thoughts and sort out my surroundings."
Below is the full statement from the White Ide Theater Company.
Hello, this is the White Ide Theater Company.
Recently, a controversy concerning an actor who was set to participate in our performance has arisen.
The White Ide Theater Company has not taken this matter lightly and has been carefully engaged in internal discussions, including fact verification. We expect that the accurate facts will be clarified through investigations by the authorities in the future, and the actor in question has expressed the intention to withdraw during this process, which the theater company has decided to respect and accept.
We value the freedom of art and the importance of expression, but we also believe that ethical responsibility and social trust inside and outside the stage are equally important.
To ensure that all cast and crew can focus on creation in a safe and respectful environment, the White Ide Theater Company has been continuously striving to establish a more systematic and healthy production system. We will do our utmost to present a stage that the audience can trust and support in the future.
Regarding this controversy, we will act responsibly to ensure that nothing contradicts the principles of the theater company.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this unexpected situation. The White Ide Theater Company will continue to move forward as an organization that bears artistic trust and responsibility based on transparent and mature operations.
Thank you.
From the White Ide Theater Company.
[Photo] SNS
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