Lee Byung-hun Speaks Out On Lawsuit

Dec 15, 2009

After the story broke about an ex-girlfriend of Lee Byung-hun accusing the star of tricking her into a sexual relationship (which Lee’s side refuted as an attempt at blackmail and extortion),
Lee has now responded personally. He posted his feelings in a December
13 message on his homepage, and while he didn’t address any of the
accusations directly, he called them “distorted truth” and encouraged
his fans not to worry, as the truth will come out in the end.

The message reads:

This is Lee Byung-heon.

I don’t know what words to use to greet you.

It’s been a while since I last wrote. I should be writing about good news…

The company and my lawyers held me back, but I am writing because many of you are worried.

The story that has been released to the world has been distorted,
and I’m not sure what stories will come out in the future, but the
truth will come out in full, through the legal process.

But more importantly, what should have been left as precious,
beautiful memories has been twisted and dispersed to the world. My
heart is pained that the circumstances between two people who were once
so dear to each other has turned into this.

Throughout my career, at times there have been instances when I
could not explain a situation, and at times I have believed that
keeping quiet about outright lies or stories that have been twisted was
the wise choice, and that will largely continue to be how I live my
life in the future. I believe that the truth that I have faith in can
be felt through the heart, not through words.

Through this latest incident, I have unintentionally caused you all
to worry. However, my drama has not yet finished, and it’s my duty to
not cause trouble for the people working with me, so I will do my best
through the end.

I am trying to not let this affect me.

I hope you will not let this affect you.

Please be strong.

I am here in my place as always, unshaken. Thank you.

Lee’s ex-girlfriend, a Ms. Kwon, had filed a civil lawsuit on
December 8 with the Seoul Central District Court, asking for reparation
for damages inflicted. On December 10, it was further revealed that she
had accused Lee of illegal gambling.

Lee’s management responded by revealing that Lee had been the target
of blackmail calls and declared their intent to counter sue for
defamation of character.

On December 13, Ms. Kwon’s side released photos of her with Lee
Byung-heon and at his home to show that she had truly lived with him.
(Pictures above and below.) Kwon stated that her reason for releasing
the photographs is because of the reproach that has been directed her
way after filing her suit, and she wanted to prove that she was telling
the truth about her story and how she had lived with him.