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[Sports Chosun Yu-na Lee reporter] Singer Jessi apologized for the incident where her entourage assaulted a fan, stating that they were “strangers” and offering a formal apology. However, suspicions have been raised that Jessi’s producer, who was part of her entourage, is associated with a Korean gang and that Jessi may not be unaware of the assailant.
On the 14th, JTBC’s ‘Crime Scene Commander’ revealed CCTV footage showing the incident where Jessi’s entourage assaulted a minor fan in Gangnam. The footage showed the producer suddenly punching the fan’s stomach and pushing his head, followed by the assailant slapping the fan’s face. The show re-released CCTV footage of the incident, emphasizing the sequence of events leading to the assault.
According to ‘Crime Scene Commander’, the man who pushed the fan’s head is Jessi’s producer known by his alias “Koala,” who is also a rapper. The show reported that Koala, who has worked on albums such as “What X,” “Cold Blood,” and “Nun Nu Nan Na” with Jessi, is associated with the Korean gang ‘Korean Outlaws,’ as indicated by tattoos on his right arm reading ‘K’ and on his left arm reading ‘OS.’
The assault victim described Koala’s behavior at the scene as “gang-like,” recalling gestures and words used by Koala that suggested gang affiliation. The victim mentioned that Koala’s associate who slapped his face. Jessi’s agency stated that Jessi has worked with Koala on a few music projects but denied any knowledge of his gang affiliation. They emphasized that Jessi had no prior acquaintance with the assailant and offered a formal apology.
The victim expressed anger towards Jessi for branding the assailant as “a stranger,” pointing out that Jessi was present with the assailant and tried to stop the assault. They stated that it is unlikely for someone to act in such a way if they are not familiar with the person.
A netizen reported Jessi for hiding the perpetrator’s identity, citing that the victim was a minor.
Earlier, Jessi posted an apology letter on her social media account regarding the assault incident.
Jessi explained the incident, expressing regret for not being able to protect the fan from injustice, stating that they are working to find the assailant to offer an apology and compensation.
Jessi urged the public to refrain from one-sided claims or speculative reports related to the incident.
Besides the man identified as the assailant, Jessi, her producer, and another individual in her entourage have been charged with assault based on the victim’s report. The police have reportedly questioned the producer regarding the identity of the assailant.
lyn@sportschosun.com