Photos add fuel to `Iris` star`s sex scandal

The scandal involving actor Lee Byung-hun and his alleged matrimonial deception has taken an interesting turn with a leak of some photos.

On Sunday, Kwon Mi-yeon, who has filed a lawsuit against Lee on Dec. 8 alleging the actor lured her into a sexual relationship on false promises of marriage, released four photos of the two together to the media. The 22-year-old Korean-Canadian also threatened to release more intimate photos.

In turn, the 39-year-old star of "Iris" and "G.I. Joe" yesterday released a statement on his website defending himself.

He told his fans that he was "deeply saddened that something which was supposed to be left as pleasant memories has been polluted with fabrications of the truth."

He remained confident that he would win what looks likely to become a nasty legal battle.



"Through proper legal procedure, the truth that have been polluted with lies will be revealed in the future," he wrote.

Lee also mentions Kwon, writing: "It hurts that someone I cared for once would lead it to this current situation."

Lee`s legal representatives have struck back and filed a defamation suit against Kwon on Dec. 11 and have also requested an investigation be conducted against alleged blackmailing by Kwon`s acquaintances.

Kwon, who describes herself as a former gymnast on the petition, released four pictures to the Korean press which included photos of the two together at a winter resort in Gangwon Province and in the actor`s alleged bedroom.



Last week, Kwon filed a suit with Seoul Central District Court demanding that the popular actor pay her 100 million won ($85,000) citing physical damage and mental anguish as the basis.

She claims Lee lured her into a sexual relationship under false pretenses of marriage.

In addition to the charges, Kwon has made against Lee, she also stated on Dec. 10 he had habitually taken part in illegal Baccarat gambling while the two had been together.

Lee`s agency have released a statement acknowledging that the actor had dated Kwon between last autumn and this spring but denied all other allegations, stating that Lee had not done anything "reproachable."

Lee`s representatives additionally stated that since November they had received anonymous calls threatening to expose their relationship.

The male callers claimed to be acquaintances of Kwon and demanded 2 billion won in return for their silence, according to an official press release from the actor`s management company BH Entertainment.

(kws@heraldm.com)





By Song Woong-ki