#MeToo Movement Update: Weapon Used By K-Drama Actor Lee Seo Won In Threatening Female Colleague Revealed
The Korean police finally revealed the deadly weapon Lee Seo Won used when he threatened a female colleague after he sexually assaulted her. Apparently, it was a knife.
During an episode of SBS' One Night of Entertainment, the police officers recalled that happened when they responded to a complaint of sexual assault against Lee Seo Won. The officers confirmed that the Music Bank MC was drunk and cursing them when he was arrested for sexually harassing and threatening someone.
"A report came in for harassment. He was arrested for sexual harassment and special threats on location. The weapon was a knife. He was so drunk he couldn't even control himself. He also cursed a lot," the police officers said (via AllKPop).
A lawyer who was also a guest in the show said if Lee is found guilty after the investigation, he will then face a criminal trial. The lawyer predicted that the result of the investigation will be out before the month ends.
It was earlier reported that Lee Seo Won attempted to kiss a female colleague and threatened her with a weapon after she rejected his physical advances. Lee's agency, Blossom Entertainment, issued an apology for the actor's inappropriate action. The company said Lee has also acknowledged his mistake.
Following reports of sexual assault and threat investigation, tvN kicked off Lee from its new K-drama About Time. Actor Kim Dong Jun has been confirmed to replace Lee for the role of Jo Jae Yoo, a genius musical director who falls in love unexpectedly.
"We have finalized the casting of Kim Dong Jun. He has canceled all his scheduled activities to start filming with us, so we will begin shooting soon. We will make sure that there are no disruptions to the existing broadcast schedule, and we will try out best to show viewers a great production. Thank you," tvN said in an official statement.
Lee was also removed from the variety show Music Bank where he was a long-time MC. Meanwhile, About Time premiered on May 21 at 9:30 p.m. KST.
Lee Seo Won was not the first Korean artist who was accused of sexual misconduct since the #MeToo movement spreads in the country's entertainment industry. Among the Hallyu actors that were accused of sexual assault are Oh Dal-su, Cho Jae-hyun, Choi Il Hwa, Kim Tae Hoon, and Jo Min-ki. Korean TV personality Kim Saeng Min and rapper Don Malik are also facing an allegation of sexual misconduct.
Accusations of inappropriate sexual advances were also thrown against filmmakers Kim Ki-duk, Lee Hyun-ju, and Cho Keun-hyun, and theatre director Lee Youn Taek. Most of them already admitted their mistake.
