Despite Ignoring Sexual Bribery Scandal... Japanese National Idol Faces Flood of Criticism and Finally Responds

Declaration to Resume Activities After Apology... Growing Public Criticism
"All Responsibility Lies With Me"

Masahiro Nakai (52), a former member of the Japanese national idol group SMAP, who was embroiled in a 'sexual bribery' scandal, has announced his sudden retirement. After allegations of sexual bribery surfaced, Masahiro stated that he had reached an agreement with the victim and intended to resume his activities, but as public criticism intensified, the TV programs he was appearing on were eventually canceled.

On the 23rd, Nakai posted on his fan club homepage, "As of today, I will retire from entertainment activities," and added, "I will also close my one-person agency once the remaining procedures and tasks are completed."

Masahiro Nakai, former member of the famous Japanese group SMAP. X (X)

He said, "Discussions regarding my withdrawal and contract cancellations for the broadcasts, radio shows, and advertisements I have been involved in have concluded today," adding, "I do not believe this means I have fulfilled all my responsibilities. I will continue to address various issues going forward." He also stated, "All responsibility lies with me. I apologize for causing trouble and losses to many people," and "I sincerely apologize to the other party as well."

Nakai's sexual bribery case came to light recently when the Japanese media outlet 'Shukan Bunshun' reported that Fuji TV, a Japanese broadcasting station, forced a female employee into sexual bribery. According to the report, the victim, a woman in her 20s, claimed, "I was sexually assaulted during a dinner with Masahiro and became pregnant." She further revealed that Nakai pressured her to have an abortion and paid her 90 million yen (approximately 825 million KRW) as a settlement.

As the scandal grew, Nakai expressed, "I apologize for causing concern," but stated his intention to resume activities since an agreement with the victim had been reached. In an apology statement posted on the 9th, Nakai said, "It is true that there was a problem, but it is also true that an agreement regarding the incident has been completed through representatives of both parties. Contrary to some reports, there was no violence such as raising hands," and "Since an agreement has been reached, I can continue my entertainment activities without issues. No one other than the parties involved is connected to this incident."

However, as further sexual bribery allegations continued, public opinion worsened. On the 16th, Fuji TV female announcer Ms. A revealed, "I was almost sexually bribed through Programming Department Chief Mr. B (to another male entertainer)," sparking widespread suspicion that sexual bribery was systematically conducted at Fuji TV.

Koichi Minato, president of Fuji TV, held a press conference on the 17th and apologized, but criticism continued to pour in. Ultimately, the TV program where Nakai was the main host was canceled. Additionally, major Japanese companies Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Corporation, and Seven & I Holdings suspended their advertising on Fuji TV.

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