Tae expressed frustration and anger against the Korean-language media at the press conference, which was broadcast live on cable TV.

“Anybody can make a mistake in their lives. And those who make mistakes can be forgiven. But the head of Sisa Journal USA did not show any sign of atonement and continues to lie. That’s why I am here,” he said.

Tae has already denied the reports in press releases and interviews with local media, but he went on to hold a formal press briefing on Tuesday afternoon to “prevent the recurrence of such malicious acts taking advantage of celebrities.”

“I said I would forgive if the media publishes a correction, but it instead threatened me with follow-up stories,” he said.

In an attempt to back his claims that the reports were made up by the weekly magazine, Tae revealed a recording of a conversation on the phone between the head of Sisa Journal USA and his acquaintance, Howard Park.

In the recording, Sisa Journal USA CEO said, “Let’s say that Tae only had 500,000 won at first. If they stayed up all night, how many times do you think he could have played?”

The CEO of Sisa Journal USA said the exact amount of money involved does not matter and the story would hace been put out anyway.

He also asked Park to demand $250,000 from Tae in return for not breaking the story. “But let’s keep it between us as it could backfire,” the CEO said.

Tae will file a lawsuit against Sisa Journal USA soon, his lawyer said at the press event.

Tae, whose real name is Jo Bang-hun, is a well-known singer in the genre ”trot“ in Korea. The veteran singer’s son Jo Song-hyon is also a professional singer, who goes by the stage name Eru.

Tae heads his own talent agency, Jin-ah Entertainment, home to Eru, hip-hop group Mighty Mouth and balladeer Wheesung.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)