Jeong Hee-won Denies 'Relationship of Power-Based Adultery'... Rebuts Claims of 'Sexual Role' by Counterparty

[Financial News] Jeong Hee-won, CEO of the Decelerated Aging Research Institute, publicly addressed the situation for the first time after filing a complaint against former commissioned researcher Person A on charges including stalking. This statement also served as a rebuttal to Person A's earlier remarks, which were delivered through their Legal Representative.

On the 19th, Jeong Hee-won posted a lengthy message on her Social Networking Service (SNS), stating, "Regardless of the reason, I feel deeply apologetic and heavy-hearted for causing concern to those who have trusted and supported me through this incident."
She continued, "As the threats escalated based on unfounded claims, I feel a profound sense of responsibility for any tangible or intangible losses caused to many people during the process of clarifying the facts. However, I could not ignore the clear extortion attempt of demanding all income, including two years of medical fees, as settlement money under the threat of disclosing baseless allegations."
Jeong Hee-won stated, "The counterparty's claims regarding a private relationship are entirely fabricated," and emphasized, "In particular, the allegation that the relationship was based on power is absolutely untrue." This was in direct response to Person A's Legal Representative, who had previously claimed that Jeong Hee-won repeatedly requested Person A to fulfill specific sexual roles that matched her own sexual desires and preferences.
She further explained, "There was no adulterous relationship with the other party, and I deeply regret that the facts are being distorted and misrepresented. All matters related to this will be thoroughly clarified through ongoing legal proceedings."
She also addressed copyright issues, stating, "The matter was already mutually agreed upon with joint authorship and a 30% royalty split, and all royalty settlements have been completed. Moving forward, we plan to conduct a detailed review of each party's contributions and pursue a damages lawsuit through civil litigation. The book in question will be discontinued."

She added, "We plan to take strong legal action against the dissemination of false information and acts of defamation by the other party. Many people are suffering severe psychological harm due to personal attacks and secondary posts based on the one-sided claims of the other party. We are collecting comments involving personal insults, attacks, abusive language, and slander that are not based on facts to determine whether legal action is necessary. Please refrain from baseless slander and defamatory remarks."
In closing, Jeong Hee-won stated, "I fully understand that it is impossible to restore all trust immediately. However, even if it takes time, I will do my utmost to clarify all facts through the investigative authorities and resolve the situation so that no further harm is caused to others because of me."
On the 17th, Jeong Hee-won, through her Legal Representative, filed a complaint against Person A for violating the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes and attempted extortion. In response, Person A's side issued a statement the following day, claiming that Jeong Hee-won repeatedly made sexual demands by abusing her position as an employer, and that Person A complied out of fear of being dismissed.
Meanwhile, on the 19th, Bangbae Police Station announced that it had assigned the case the previous day and begun an investigation. The station is also continuing its investigation into a previous report filed by Jeong Hee-won in October, accusing Person A of violating the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes.
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter