“I feel a moral responsibility to him”- Jessi issues an apology following her fan’s assault

On October 12, 2024, K-pop artist Jessi issued an apology following a recent controversy surrounding a fan of hers being assaulted in her presence. She uploaded the statement on her Instagram, explaining her point of view regarding the situation, and also expressed moral responsibility toward him. The message stated:

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am deeply saddened that my fan suffered such an injustice, and I feel a moral responsibility to him."

According to JTBC's Crime Chief on October 11, an alleged fan of the K-pop star reported that Jessi's acquaintance assaulted him on September 29, 2024. This led to an uproar from Korean netizens due to the lack of any responsibility from her side as the singer allegedly fled the scene.

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Jessi's explains her point of view through her apology

In her statement, Jessi explains that during a personal meeting with an acquaintance, the victim (her fan) asked her for a photo, which she politely declined. The fan had asked her twice and she declined his request both times due to it being late at night.

Contrary to the victim's report, she mentions that the victim was assaulted by a person she had never seen in her life before that day. She explains how she was overwhelmed by the suddenness of the situation, which prevented her from considering the fan's feelings carefully.

She also states that she and her agency are working with the victim and his mother to get an apology and compensation from the perpetrator.

"Since the incident occurred, me and my agency have been in contact with the victim's mother and have been working to get an apology and compensation from the perpetrator, as well as to ensure that the perpetrator receives the punishment he deserves."

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Surveillance footage was released

According to the report registered by the victim, an 18-year-old minor, the incident occurred in an alley in Apgujeong, Seoul early in the morning. He approached the rapper for an autograph and photo but was blocked by one of her acquaintances who cursed at him in English.

However, the Korean pop star apologized and politely declined. As they were about to leave, another man suddenly attacked him, hitting and kicking him without a warning.

The victim expressed deep disappointment and said:

"I don't know if she left because she didn't want to be involved, but I was really let down. Even from the footage, you can see she just stood there. I admired her as a celebrity, but after this, I lost a lot of respect."

The JTBC Crime Chief released the surveillance footage which showcased Jessi's entourage pulling the attacker away after the assault began. Initially, the K-pop star also intervened, but later she stepped back and left the scene.

The mother of the victim later visited Jessi's agency and was told that Jessi did not know the attacker as he was a Chinese acquaintance of a producer close to her.

The rapper and her legal representative have commented that the singer had no involvement in the assault and also met the attacker first time that day. However, they also stated that Jessi is willing to provide for moral compensation if the victim believes she is associated with the attacker.

The Gangnam Police, who are leading the investigation, have summoned the producer who was with Jessi that night for questioning next week.

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The Cold Blooded rapper debuted in 2005 with her single album Get Up. Throughout her career, she has been under various companies including Gangnam Style's PSY's company, P NATION, and Jay Park's label, More Vision.

Recently, the GUM rapper has established her own company, UNNI, aka UNNI Co. or THE BIG SISTER COMPANY.