Choi Hyun-seok "Hacking Incident Is True... Contract Dispute with Former Agency Resolved"

Chef Choi Hyun-seok / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Chef Choi Hyun-seok, who is suspected of transferring to another agency earlier than the contracted period and forging part of the contract to downplay damages caused by cellphone hacking, stated that the hacking damage is true but the conflict with his former agency has been resolved.

On the 18th, Choi Hyun-seok released an official statement through his current agency, Weple E&D, saying, "It is true that my cellphone was hacked around August 2018," and added, "The hacked data contained personal life information as well as personal information of my family and acquaintances."

He continued, "Fearing secondary damage that could affect my family and acquaintances, I followed formal procedures and requested an investigation from the authorities, and was notified that the case was closed."

Regarding the suspicion of forging private documents over the contract period issue with his former agency, he explained, "I faced legal action last year related to this, but afterwards we understood each other's positions and drafted a mutual agreement. Currently, the legal action has been withdrawn."

He also added, "The transfer to the new agency is unrelated to the media reports from the previous day."

Choi Hyun-seok said, "I deeply reflect on causing social controversy, and I will live trying to be stricter with myself and become a better person."

Earlier on the 17th, 'Dispatch' reported that Choi Hyun-seok was suspected of forging some clauses in the contract to transfer agencies before his contract with his former agency, Plating Company, expired.

The media also claimed that Choi Hyun-seok reduced the scope of damages in the contract due to concerns about privacy leaks caused by cellphone hacking.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.