K-pop rapper Jessi | Image: Instagram/@jessicah_o
K-pop soloist Jessica Ho, known as Jessi, apologized after she came under fire for allegedly “neglecting” a teenage fan who was assaulted by her companions.
On Instagram, Jessi has taken accountability for the incident that took place on Sept. 29 in Apgujeong, Seoul, where one of her fans was punched by a man after approaching her for a photo.
“First, I want to express my sincere apologies to the victim and his family for the harm caused by this incident. Despite this incident being a result of my actions, from the time it occurred until this very moment, my wrongful behavior, attitude, and lack of response have hurt not only the victim but many others as well, leaving them feeling betrayed and angry,” she began her statement.
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The rapper-singer reflected on her actions and vowed to “correct” her wrongs and help the victim move on.
“I have regretted it thousands, even tens of thousands of times. If only I could go back to that moment. If only I had taken a picture with the victim, if I had been more proactive in protecting the victim, if I had gone to the police immediately, if I had offered a proper apology—perhaps the victim would not have suffered to this extent,” she expressed.
“All of this is my responsibility. I fully understand that forgiveness cannot be granted with just a few words. However, even now, I will make every effort to correct my wrongs and help the victim recover. Though it’s far too late, I once again ask for forgiveness. I was wrong,” concluded the K-pop star.
The “Zoom” singer recently faced public scrutiny after a video of the incident made the rounds online.
The surveillance footage showed Jessi trying to stop one of her companions, who’s seemingly trying to start a fight with the teenage fan.
The K-pop singer was then captured politely declining the request of the fan for a photo by bowing.
However, another man entered the scene and punched the fan in the face as Jessi tried to stop the attacker.
The next sequence showed the singer’s other companions coming to the fan while Jessi, seemingly helpless, stood and watched the scene further unfold.
Following the viral moment, the rapper’s fans came into her defense as they underscored that the involved men should be the ones held accountable.
“I don’t get why Jessi is getting so much hate from Korea when she was the one who tried to stop the fighting. The man who punched the fan should be the one responsible,” weighed in one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
In 2022, Jessi staged her first solo concert in the Philippines.