Kim Hyun-joong to hold concert despite assault controversy

South Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong, who has been sued for assaulting his girlfriend, will hold a concert in Thailand as scheduled despite the controversy over the alleged charges.

Kim is flying out to Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 23 to participate in the concert slated for the following day as part of his world tour.

“Regarding the concert, it is difficult for us to (cancel) concert schedules due to terms and conditions with local agencies. We will hold the concert as scheduled,” said an official from Kim’s agency KeyEast. 

Kim has been mired in controversy after his alleged girlfriend pressed assault charges on Wednesday against the popular star for repeatedly using violence against her, local news outlets reported earlier on Friday.

The woman claimed that she had been assaulted several times while arguing with Kim over his women issues since last May. The woman suffered bruises in May and had her ribs broken in July, requiring six weeks of medical treatment, as a result of Kim’s violence.

The two had been dating since 2012, a source familiar with the two said.

The police, however, did not confirm the reports, saying that what had been reported was merely a “one-sided story.” As Kim has yet to be summoned for a probe, it remains to be seen whether violence was used or not, according to the police.

Kim’s agency is to announce its official stance on this matter after learning more details about the case from Kim and the police.

The singer is to be summoned by the police sometime soon.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)