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SHINee’s Onew apologizes to fans for sexual harassment allegation

  • Published : Dec 5, 2017 - 15:01
  • Updated : Dec 5, 2017 - 15:01

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(S.M. Entertainment)
Onew, a member of popular K-pop boy band SHINee, made a belated apology to his fans in a handwritten letter uploaded on the group’s official website.

In August, the singer was charged with allegedly touching a woman inappropriately at a club in Gangnam, Seoul.

“I am truly sorry for disappointing the fans who have been supporting me,” he wrote. “While taking a break from activities for the past four months, I reflected deeply on how much of a big disappointment I gave you and I blamed myself continuously.”

“I agonized on how I should apologize and how I should express my regret. I felt so sorry that I was cautious even about writing anything. It’s too late but I’m writing (to fans) now,” he wrote.

“From now on, I will try my best to become a person who is suitable for the name of SHINee whether that is a public matter or personal matter.”

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(SHINee's official website)
The singer was arrested at the club after a friend of the woman called police. Onew denied the charges, saying that he has no memory of the alleged incident, as he was too drunk at the time.

SHINee’s agency S.M. Entertainment said the incident stemmed from “a misunderstanding” and that the physical contact had been accidental while they were dancing on a stage drunk.

“The woman acknowledged that such incidents could happen under the influence of alcohol and withdrew the charge,” the agency said.

By Kim So-yeon (syk19372@heraldcorp.com)

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