South Korean TV star Jang Ja-yeon’s suicide note claimed she was abused by high-profile figures
NINE years ago, this TV star took her own life after making shocking claims of sexual abuse. Now, her case could be reopened.
IN 2009, popular South Korean actor Jang Ja-yeon committed suicide after claiming her management company forced her to have sex with a string of well-known men.
According to Variety.com, in her seven-page suicide note, Ja-yeon named “at least 31” men who had sexually abused her, including corporate executives, newspaper representatives and directors.
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Ja-yeon, who shot to fame through the television series Boys Over Flowers, identified many “sponsors” in her note — influential people who helped aspiring stars land roles on hit shows and movies.
But despite the then-29-year-old’s shocking claims, when the case was first investigated, only the CEO of her agency and her manager were indicted on violence and defamation charges.
A further 10 men on Ja-yeon’s list were investigated at the time, but none were charged.
In the end, the death was ruled as a suicide due to the fact the performer had been suffering from depression.
However, as the #MeToo movement has taken off in South Korea, women’s rights organisations have demanded Ja-yeon’s case be reopened, with more than 200,000 people signing a petition calling for it to be reinvestigated.
The country’s Justice Ministry listened, and called for prosecutors to re-examine the case.
If their demands are answered, it could finally lead to justice for the late, tragic actor.
But sadly, South Korea’s entertainment industry, and in particular the K-pop industry, has a horrendous reputation for the exploitation of its young stars.
In December 2017, pop star Kim Jonghyun took his own life at the age of 27, leaving behind a note detailing his declining mental health believed to be caused by the intense pressures of fame.
“I was broken from the inside. The depression that was slowly devouring me, at last consumed me ... the life of fame was never meant for me. What else can I say more. Just tell me I’ve done well. That this is enough. That I’ve worked hard. Even if you can’t smile don’t fault me on my way,” the note said.
In 1996, Korean-American singer Charles Park, also known as Seo Ji-won, took his life at the age of 19.
Folk rock singer Kim Kwang-seok also suicided in the same year, at the age of 31.
In 2005, actor Lee Eun-Joo committed suicide at the age of 25, followed by 26-year-old actor and singer Yuni in 2007, and actor Jeong Da-bin in the same year.
Television star Choi Jin-sil took her life in 2008, followed by her brother and fellow actor Choi Jin-yeong in 2010.
Singer Chae Dong-Ha, a former member of band SG Wannabe, took his life in 2011.
South Korea has the second-highest suicide rate in the world according to the World Health Organisation, and the highest rate among OECD countries. In 2015, the country reported 37 suicides per day.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au
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