84-year-old actor Lee Soon Jae shared his thoughts on the ongoing controversy in the entertainment industry.
On the April 11 airing of KBS 2TV's 'Happy Together 4,' the veteran actor who has been in the industry for 64 years shared there's something he wants to say to his hoobaes.
He mentioned the issues involving Seungri, Jung Joon Young, and more, and said, "It's not in my field (of acting) but an issue in the singing field. You know we (as celebrities) gain popularity. In the past, we didn't have much financial gain from our popularity but it's different now."
Lee Soon Jae pointed out celebrities have an influence on the public and teens as public figures, and said, "The court will be the ultimate judge but I (personally) think they're wrong. There are many who need to leave the industry on their own," and emphasized hoobaes need to take care of oneself when their popularity increases.
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The reason such predatory behavior exists in kpop is because their culture is permissive toward these criminal acts. Celebrities not only see young girls being used and abused, but they usually don't say anything about it and in some situations, they actually encourage it.
There needs to be a greater emphasis between idols themselves on extincting predatory behaviors. That starts with having respect for women. It is reinforced by the police being honest and putting the needs of public safety above their own personal interests by prosecuting any and all offenders regardless of their popularity and finally offenses need to be treated with the gravity it deserves in the courts.
In America, your life is pretty much over if you commit a sex crime. Korea needs to adopt this policy of no-tolerance because sexual predators cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
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