[T/W: mentions of assault, disturbing details that might affect readers]
A former K-pop idol has recounted disturbing details regarding the kidnapping and assault she has experienced from her manager.
Read more to learn further details.
Former YPDA & 'My Teenage Girl' Contestant Jo Yu Jeong Shares Details Of Kidnapping & Assault From Manager
On April 17, Korean netizens gathered to discuss former YPDA member and current Afreeca streamer Jo Yu Jeong's abduction and escape from her manager. In her post, Jo Yu Jeong shared how she escaped from her manager, who kidnapped her on April 14.
Read her announcement below:
"Hello. This is Jo Yu Jeong. I understand many were worried, so I'm writing to give an update since I've collected myself. I got a lot of calls from reporters, but my family and I don't want this to be in public, so refrain from contacting me.
On the 14th of April, I experienced something that will scar me for as long as I live, as I was kidnapped, confined, received death threats, robbed, and assaulted.
Afreeca I.D - Minyoung
Government Name - Go X Joon (I was told not to reveal their full name even if they're a criminal).
This person was an individual who received payments from me every month since 2023 for reporting news regarding public interest, broadcasts, and many more. I don't know other details, as the police didn't share it with me, including their age."
Jo Yu Jeong then shared the details of the crime:
"On April 14, Sunday, I arrived at work, and Manager 'A,' reached out to me saying that they were in front of the office and said that they had a present for me, which was from an acquaintance who opened a new store.
I trusted Manager A since he had been helping me since 2023, and I went over to greet them. I was given a pen to give my autograph, and when I asked where to sign, they said I could sign the shirt that covered the car seat. I signed the shirt since I saw famous streamers have already done so.
But as I was signing the shirt, my nose and mouth were suddenly covered and I was pushed inside the vehicle, while being cursed and assaulted. Even when I begged them to let me go, they pulled a knife on me, and said they would stab me.
They kept telling me not to lie, and they said that even if I was killed, they would only serve seven years in prison. They also asked me, 'You know BJ - right?' They're being assaulted by my dongsaengs because they were exposed for lying,' and they said they'd do the same to me.
I was then placed on the trunk, had my arms and legs tied, and when I asked them, they said this was happening because I had been arrogant towards them and viewers. This incident happened the day after payday, when they complained that I wasn't giving them enough compensation.
There were some heated exchanges, but I thought everything was solved. My phone was taken, and they asked where the company and family group chats were located. I told them all the chats were in my KakaoTalk.
(I confirmed that they had messaged Manager Chun by saying, 'I think I'll be a bit late because of my dad, please let them understand' and to my family that 'I won't be working today because something good occurred;).
"I asked them if I could go to work at the least and I told them I would give them whatever they demanded. I also brought up how strange it would be if someone who streams suddenly disappeared.
Then a call came from Manager Chun. My captors then pulled a knife and said they would kill me if my voice trembled. However, Manager Chun felt something was off in my KakaoTalk messages and voice, called my dad and checked in on me.
My dad said there was nothing unusual, causing Manger Chun to take it to the police authorities. I was contacted by the police, but Manager A picked up and lied that they were my boyfriend, that we were talking after an argument, and that I'd be home soon.
The police just bought it without taking further action. I could also hear curses and yells from Manager Chun, which was directed at the police. Then my captors transferred my money into their account and turned my phone off, and said they'd let me go if I stayed quiet."
"The escape
10 to 15 minutes have passed and he still not returning, and I thought I could die anytime if I didn't escape. I tried to remove the rope tied on my hands and feet, and when I did, I moved towards the front and opened the sliding door.
I escaped and ran to the hair salon near me and asked for help. They called the police and the station that I had been in contact with came to the scene. I believe this incident revolved around financial issues and the criminal hasn't been caught.
I'm now confined to a hospital with a nasal fracture, facial injuries, and injured wrists. Police are currently investigating, and the criminal hasn't been captured. I cannot share any more details. I'll also be unable to do streams until they are caught.
I'm sorry for causing concern and I will return after I have recovered."
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