Movie director and actor Yang Ik June, well known for his 2009 K-Movie Breathless and for his police officer role in Netflix‘s K-Drama Hellbound, has been accused of assaulting his hoobae in the movie business.
On February 10, 2025 (KST), the Seoul Seongbuk Police Station confirmed that an investigation had been launched over charges of assault. According to the police—as well as the victim, Staff A—Yang Ik June beat the movie staff member multiple times with a wad of paper while also verbally assaulting them.
The assault took place at a bar that Yang Ik June owns and operates. Staff A told TV Report that the two met to discuss ideas over a possible lecture opportunity. But during the discussion, Yang got violent blaming Staff A’s attitude.
I met up with Yang Ik June, an industry senior I respected, because he said he would offer me a lecturing opportunity. We were discussing ideas about the lecture when he suddenly got upset with me over my tone. When the topic of pay rate for the lecture came up, I feared I might say the wrong thing and upset him even more. So I offered to do it for free. That’s when he rolled up the 20-30 sheets of paper and started hitting me with it. He beat me up in a way that made me feel just miserable.
— Assault Victim
The police stated, “Staff A’s complaint was filed on December 30 of 2024. The investigation is in its final stage, and it is expected to be sent to the prosecution soon.”
Meanwhile, despite the news of getting pressed charges, Yang Ik June is proceeding with promoting his new movie, Confession. A representative told OSEN, “Yang Ik June will attend the press screening as planned. He will also attend audience engagement events scheduled for the 16 and 22.”