Nine booked for actress abuse

Police booked nine people in their investigation into a scandal involving Jang Ja-yeon, who killed herself after alleged abuses by her agent, including pressure to have sex with influential figures.

Police yesterday wrapped up the probe into allegations behind the death of Jang, 30, who hanged herself in her home on March 7.

The people to be charged include her former agent Kim Sung-hun, who Jang accused of forcing her to attend drinking parties and provide sexual favors to powerful figures in the media and show business. He is currently in Japan. They were not detained.

Her immediate agent, Yoo Jang-ho was also booked for defamation by leaking her memo to the media. He was sued by Jang`s family last month.

Others accused include two television directors, three financial industry officials, a businessman and an entertainment agency employee.

Other leading figures in the media industry, who were mentioned in her note were cleared of charges. Police assumed that she had mistaken them for others.

Police decided to suspend the questioning for five other suspects until Kim is extradited from Japan, said Bundang Police Station, which handles the case.

An arrest warrant was issued for Kim earlier this month. Investigators have so far failed to even locate his whereabouts.

"Though we tried to reveal the truth, we faced limits in the investigation, as the victim is now dead and the most crucial suspect, Kim, is overseas," said Han Poong-hyun, head of the Bundang Police Station in the briefing. "Further steps will be taken once Kim is brought in for questioning."

The investigation results were denounced by many as toothless, especially as they came after a long period of silence from the police. Public suspicion also rose that the police may be covering up for socially influential suspects as their detailed identities remained secret.

By Bae Hyun-jung



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