SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they were interrogating the president of one of the nation's largest entertainment agencies over his alleged involvement in replicating a handset used by top actress Jeon Ji-hyun to track her communications.
Chung Hoon-tak, president of Sidus HQ, was summoned to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency early Thursday morning to face questioning about his role in the handset rigging, police said. Chung is alleged to have hired an outside agent to enable Sidus HQ officials to monitor over 10 phone records and text messages of the number used by the 27-year-old Jeon in late November of 2007. The number was registered under her father's name.
Jeon boasts enormous star power in South Korea and has also enjoyed popularity throughout Asia as a commercial model for such popular brands as Coca Cola. Her big break came after her performance in the hit movie "My Sassy Girl." "We plan to find out how deeply he was involved in the case, whether he directly ordered the rigging or if he was aware of the situation even when not having given direct instructions to do so," a police officer said.
Business insiders have said Jeon was on bad terms with her agent due to his alleged interference in her personal life and was planning not to renew her contract with the firm. She signed with Sidus HQ during high school more than 10 years ago.
Credits: odissy@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews.co.kr
