ENTERTAINMENT
Musical Actor Nam Kyung-joo Faces Sexual Assault Charges Amid University Suspension
On the 12th, Hongik University announced that Nam Kyung-joo, who is an associate professor in the Department of Performing Arts, Musical Major, has been suspended from his position following a disciplinary committee review. "Currently, his classes are being conducted by another professor," the university stated.
Previously, the Seoul Bangbae Police Station forwarded Nam Kyung-joo to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office last month on charges of sexual assault by force. He is accused of attempting to sexually assault a woman, identified as A, in Seoul last year. A reportedly felt threatened and left the scene, subsequently reporting the incident to the police.
Nam Kyung-joo denied the allegations during the police investigation, but the police concluded that the charges were substantiated and forwarded the case to the prosecution. Nam Kyung-joo has refrained from commenting on the charges, acknowledging only that an investigation is ongoing.
The charges have also brought to light Nam Kyung-joo's past DUI offenses. In December 2002, his license was revoked due to excessive demerit points from drunk driving. The following year, in 2003, his license was revoked again for the same reason. At the time, he claimed he had no choice but to drive due to urgent matters. In 2004, he was booked without detention for driving his mother's car without a license.
Attention has also turned to past revelations by Nam Kyung-joo's brother, Nam Kyung-eup, who disclosed details of Nam's troublesome school years on various broadcasts. Nam Kyung-eup stated, "My brother was a troublemaker. He even went to the Samcheong Education Center as a high school senior," adding that he was often reprimanded because of his brother's actions. In another broadcast, he shared, "My brother caused a lot of trouble, worrying our mother and me."
Nam Kyung-joo himself mentioned his experience at the Samcheong Education Center on KBS2's 'Park Joong-hoon Show, Korea's Sunday Night.' He explained, "There was a system for sending students who were difficult to manage at school. I ended up at the police station for intervening in a fight between upper and lower classmen, which led to my being sent to the Samcheong Education Center." He recalled, "I was there for quite a while, and it was harsh. We did military-style drills every day. There were many absurd things during that time."
Nam Kyung-joo debuted in 1982 with the play 'Woyzeck.' Since 'Porgy and Bess' in 1985, he has been active as a musical actor, most recently appearing in 'Hidden Love' last year.
Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr
