Shin Jung-hwan and Kang Byung-kyu Express Outrage Over Kim Gun-mo's Sexual Assault Controversy

Former Country Kko Kko member Shin Jung-hwan and ex-professional baseball player Kang Byung-kyu have labeled the 'Kim Gun-mo sexual assault controversy' as one of the worst incidents in the entertainment industry, expressing their anger during a recent appearance on the YouTube channel 'Channel Gojeonghae' on February 24.

Kang Byung-kyu described the controversy as shocking, stating, "This is something I had never heard of or expected. The woman claiming to be a victim demanded an apology, and the lawyer and journalist supporting her were asking for money." He further mentioned that Kim Gun-mo's brother had conducted a forensic examination for messages exchanged between Kim and the woman, but none were found. "They destroyed a person's life, shattered a family, and buried a national singer, yet the conclusion was no charges," he added.

Shin Jung-hwan commented on the devastating impact of the incident on Kim Gun-mo's family, saying, "The house of Gun-mo hyung has been completely devastated. Even now, people are unsure if he is innocent. They know there was an incident, but half the nation might not even know he was found not guilty."

Kim Gun-mo faced allegations of sexually assaulting a woman at an entertainment establishment in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, but was cleared of all charges in 2021. The allegations first surfaced in 2019 when the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' reported that a woman, referred to as A, claimed she was assaulted by Kim Gun-mo in August 2016. Three days after the broadcast, A filed a formal complaint against him.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigated the case and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations, leading to a decision of no charges. However, A appealed the decision, and the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office upheld the no-charge ruling.

As a result of the controversy, Kim Gun-mo stepped down from SBS TV's 'My Ugly Duckling' and canceled his 25th-anniversary concert. Following the incident, he also finalized a divorce with pianist Jang Ji-yeon after two years and eight months of marriage.