Director Lee apologises for sexual harassment, denies rape allegations

SEOUL: Korean stage director Lee Youn-taek has apologised for his acts of sexual harassment which he admitted went on for 18 years but denied allegations of rape.

During a press conference held at the 30 Studio in Jongrogu, Seoul, on Monday, Kim Sohee, head of the Yeonhee Street Theatre Troupe, said that the troupe had been aware of the various sexual misconduct allegations involving Lee and that she has decided to disband the group in order to take responsibility.

Allegations of Lee‘s sexual misconduct surfaced as Kim Suhee, a leader of another theatre group, revealed on Facebook that she was sexually harassed by the 66-year-old director when she worked as an actress about 10 years ago. The revelation was then followed by a series of other revelations online that accused Lee of sexual harassment and abuse. Amid the growing public uproar, Lee held a press conference on Monday in Seoul to address the issue, attended by Kim as well.

“I sincerely apologise to the victims and members of Yeonhee troupe. I feel really ashamed of myself and terrible. I will accept any punishment, including legal responsibility,” Lee said.

However, he denied the allegation of rape

Last Saturday, a former actress, who is said to have belonged to the Yeonhee troupe in the past, disclosed in an online community posting under an alias that she was sexually abused twice by the director in 2001 and 2002 in Miryang and Busan, respectively. “There were sexual relationships, but it didn’t happen by force. Our thoughts (on it) could have differed,” Lee said.