South Korean actor Kang Ji-Hwan (Jo Tae-Gyu) was arrested July 9, 2019 on suspicions of sexual assault according to reports.
The 42-year-old actor, who is known for his roles in Be Strong, Geum-Soon!, Monster, Coffee House, and Incarnation of Money, was apprehended by police at his home in Gwangju. He was questioned by police following the arrest, but the police report that he was still intoxicated and did not recall anything. They plan on questioning him again later.
“We have yet to fully investigate the matter, so other than that Kang Ji Hwan has been arrested for sexual assault, we cannot reveal anything,” a police spokesperson said.
According to reports, Kang and two female “outsourced staff members” from his agency attended a company dinner together before going out for more drinks. The women then state they went to Kang’s house to sleep when he came into the room where they were staying and assaulted one woman before committing “indecent assault” on the other. While the alleged assault occurred, one of the women texted a friend stating ““I had some drinks at actor Kang Ji Hwan’s house, and now we’re trapped.” Police arrived and arrested the actor.
“I remember having drinks, but I don’t remember anything after that. When I opened my eyes, I was in the room where [one of the women] was sleeping,” Kang told police during questioning.
On July 10, one of the two women told police she witnessed the attack on the second woman. She also told police she noticed her clothes were in disarray, so she was worried she was assaulted as well. When she noticed Kang on the other woman, she yelled.
The police state the second witness’ statement aligns with the first witness’ statement when she was questioned.
The police also stated both of the alleged victims visited the Seoul Sunflower Center to get a rape kit done. Results may be available in a week.
In light of the allegations, TV Chosun canceled this week’s showing of Joseon Survival, a show Kang is currently in, and all reruns have been canceled as well.
A TV Chosun source said, “This week’s episode of ‘Joseon Survival’ will not air. Reruns will also not be broadcasted. We need to have discussions with the production company. Things will be undecided until the production company’s stance is revealed. There were plans for an event related to Joseon Survival next week, but an internal decision was made to cancel the event.”
Kang’s currently placed in holding until the investigation is complete.
—-Olivia Murray
