MANILA, Philippines — South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo posted a handwritten letter of apology following multiple allegations of bullying, violence and sexual assault by people who claimed to be his former schoolmates.
“I sincerely apologize to those who suffered because of me. There is no excuse for my past misconduct. These were actions that can not be forgiven,” read the letter penned in Korean by Ji Soo posted Thursday morning.
Among the accusations thrown at the K-drama star are forcing classmates to buy him lunch and cigarettes, throwing food at other students, firing at others with a BB gun, physically and verbally abusing others constantly, womanizing, forcing other male students to sexually abuse victims and filming himself having intercourse in a bathroom with a middle school student.
“As I began acting, I received undeserved attention from the public with my past behind, and I think that’s how I’ve come this far. However, there was always a feeling of guilt inside me. It's too late to turn back regrets, which is why I dealt with severe anxiety from my dark past,” Ji Soo wrote.
He expressed “deep atonement” to everyone who suffered while watching him move on with his life as an actor: “I will reflect on and regret my past, which I will not be able to wash away for my whole life.”
Ji Soo is known for playing second-lead roles, including his characters in “Doctors” and “Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon.”
He was also named an official endorser of Filipino clothing brand Penshoppe in March 2020.
The leading man currently stars opposite Kim So-Hyun in the ongoing K-drama series “River Where the Moon Rises.”
The actor said he is tormented by the fact that he has inflicted significant damage to the network, producers, actors and production staff who have quietly been working hard on his latest show.
“I desperately hope that the drama does not see further damage because of me... Upon my knees, I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt by me.”
Online users aren’t buying his apology, however, with some saying that it is actually an admission of his crime more than his guilt.
To Actor Jisoo,
— Lime???? (@flwrwin) March 3, 2021
Saying goodbye to someone you have supported from 6 years is difficult. But it must be done. Don't ever show up on my screen again! pic.twitter.com/B99iaRTihS
tw// bullying, sexual assault
— shaun? ???? (@knjsnation) March 4, 2021
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i didnt know the allegations against kim jisoo were this bad, and he even admitted to them. i’m disgusted. i loved his dramas so much as well. i don’t even know what to say. pic.twitter.com/WTtLTMtrE9
tw // bullying, sexual assault
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i really can't watch any dramas w kim jisoo anymore w out feeling disgusted and it's awful how he still has fans commenting hearts and words of support underneath his post where he literally admits to the allegations being true...— daphne ?•?ω•??? (@chenyiing) March 4, 2021
'it happened in the past, everyone makes mistakes' NO, sara, not everyone was a fucking bully when they were younger. are we so willing to put our morals behind us over man who doesn't even know us? bullying and assault aren't things one can just come back from. fuck jisoo.
— ana (@DIORSEONHO) March 3, 2021
does actor jisoo know what he is being accused of rn cause its not really something you write an apology letter for. its not just bullying but sexual assault like he is a criminal.
— Haley (@blinksooya) March 3, 2021