[Nate] [EXCLUSIVE] SEUNGI 'FACING CHARGES OF SPECIAL ASS**LT', "I DID HOLD A LIQUOR BOTTLE WHILE REFUSING TO SIT WITH A DRUNKEN MAN BUT... I WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH"

(Context: here)

Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), formerly of the group BIGBANG, has stated that he will "cooperate with the investigation and reveal the truth" regarding the charges of special ass**lt filed against him.

In an interview with Ilgan Sports on the 10th, Seungri explained the full details of the incident, for which he faces charges of special ass**lt (SA), and outlined his plans for responding to the situation.

It was revealed on the 10th that a complaint seeking Seungri's punishment for SA had been filed with the Seoul Gangnam Police Station on the 26th of last month. The charges stem from an alleged ass**lting on a man in his 30s, identified as "A," with whom Seungri was dining at a restaurant in Gangnam-gu, Seoul; according to Seungri, the incident took place at a Korean blood sausage soup restaurant in Gangnam between 6:00 AM and 6:40 AM on August 8.

Seungri stated, “At the time, I was dining with two acquaintances when a drunken patron from another table (Mr. A) abruptly demanded to join us. It is true that an altercation occurred; despite my repeated refusals, he wouldn't leave and kept insisting I listen to his business ideas.” He continued, “However, we eventually ended up sitting together, talking, and drinking; we even exchanged numbers and agreed to treat each other like brothers, and Mr. A even saw me off as I headed home. A few hours later, he texted saying he would bring his business plan the following week, so I am baffled that he has now filed a complaint claiming he was harmed, I don't know what caused this sudden change of heart.”

When asked if he had committed acts amounting to SA, Seungri admitted, “It is true that I picked up a liquor bottle while expressing my intention not to join the group at the table,” but maintained, “I only held it; I did not swing it or use it to threaten anyone.” He claimed, “Afterward, I did join them and we talked; the atmosphere was lively, and we even put our arms around each other’s shoulders and shouted words of encouragement. When I left the gathering, Mr. A even saw me off. Shortly after we parted ways, he contacted me first, saying I might have a hangover and suggesting I get something to eat for it, and he wished me a good weekend and said let’s meet next week. Later, when he reached out to meet and I asked him to send a business proposal, I heard nothing, only to receive a reply the next day stating that he intended to file a complaint against me.”

While describing the sudden shift in A’s attitude over just two or three days as “bewildering,” Seungri stated that he has already secured evidence—including witness testimonies, and intends to cooperate fully with the investigation. Seungri said, “We have secured text messages exchanged with A after the gathering, CCTV footage from inside the restaurant, and statements from staff who witnessed the atmosphere at the table, as well as from the valet driver who saw A seeing me off.” He added, “I will cooperate with investigative authorities to clarify the situation.” He also noted, “Acquaintances who were present have also been sued, and we are considering filing counter-lawsuits for false accusation regarding this matter.”

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