A growing controversy has emerged involving K-pop star Jessi after an 18-year-old fan alleged that he was assaulted by a member of her group after asking for a picture. The incident, first reported on JTBC’s Chief of Staff on October 11, has left fans and the public divided over Jessi’s involvement.
According to the informant, who identified himself as a long-time fan of Jessi, the incident occurred in the early morning of September 29 in an alley in Apgujeong, Seoul. The fan, referred to as A, was on his way to a convenience store when he spotted Jessi and decided to approach her for a photo. A man from Jessi’s group reportedly intervened, swearing in English and preventing A from getting closer. Jessi stepped in to deescalate the situation, apologizing to the fan and explaining that she could not take a picture at the time.
The situation took a violent turn moments later when another man, also believed to be part of Jessi’s group, allegedly assaulted the fan. A claimed that the man punched and kicked him before the group quickly left the scene. “Jessi apologized, and I was about to leave, but then someone attacked me,” A said during the broadcast. "The mental shock from the assault is too great, and I hope the perpetrator is caught soon."
After the attack, the fan reported the incident to the police, and efforts were made to locate Jessi’s group and the alleged perpetrator. When the group was found, they reportedly denied knowing the assailant or being aware of the fan’s identity. This response prompted A’s mother to visit Jessi’s agency in person, where she was informed that the man responsible for the assault was a Chinese acquaintance of a producer connected to Jessi. The agency emphasized that Jessi had no prior relationship with the man and that he was someone they had only met that night.
Jessi’s agency released an official statement, firmly denying any direct involvement in the assault. "Jessi had absolutely nothing to do with the incident," the agency’s lawyer stated. "The man responsible was an acquaintance of the producer and was not part of Jessi’s inner circle. We are cooperating fully with authorities to identify the perpetrator."
The Gangnam Police Station, which is handling the case, confirmed that efforts are underway to track down the attacker. Authorities have also summoned the producer linked to the alleged perpetrator to provide more details about his identity. “We are investigating whether the perpetrator has left the country and have requested his attendance for questioning,” a police spokesperson stated.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked debate among fans, with many expressing disappointment over Jessi’s decision to leave the scene without intervening further. While Jessi herself is not accused of any wrongdoing, the incident has cast a shadow over her image, with some fans questioning her actions. Others, however, believe that she did her best to defuse the situation and should not be held accountable for the actions of someone she barely knew.
The controversy has put a spotlight on the dynamics between celebrities and their fans, raising questions about personal boundaries and security. For now, fans and the public await further developments in the case as the police work to apprehend the alleged perpetrator.
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