S. Korean female stars rush to deny sex videos

SEOUL: Female K-pop stars and actors have rushed to issue denials that they appear in sex videos secretly shot by male singers, illustrating women’s fears about victim-blaming and stigma in the face of South Korea’s enduring conservative social values.

In three days no fewer than five male K-pop singers, including mega star Seungri (pic), have been identified as recipients of illicit videos made by singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young of sexual acts with women, taken without their consent.

Three are being investigated by police, while four have announced their retirements or quit their bands.

There has been widespread online speculation on the victims’ identities.

At least four women have issued separate statements denying they appear in the videos, with actor Oh Cho-hee saying on her Instagram account that the rumours were “really not true”.

Most of their agents – including two of the biggest managers in K-pop, SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment – said they would take legal action against further online rumours that “significantly ruin their reputation and image”.

Scholars and activists say the fact that being identified as a victim of sex-related offences is seen as a threat to a woman’s status shows the enduring presence of traditional values and the tendency to blame victims in the South.

“In an ideal world, women wouldn’t worry about getting their reputation ruined for matters like these,” said women’s rights activist Kang Min-jin.

“And for the K-pop agencies, they are worried about getting their reputation ruined because they think about female singers as their products.

“They are worried that their products will no longer be marketable.” — AFP