Actor Kim Min-jong has revealed why he dropped his defamation complaint against MC Mong, saying the apology was sincere and pressing on would have changed nothing.
Kim spoke on the October 11 episode 514 of SBS’s “My Ugly Duckling,” where he hosted actors Yoon Min-soo and Lee Jong-hyuk at his newly renovated home in Yangpyeong. When Yoon noted the lawsuit had been withdrawn quickly, Kim calmly explained his reasoning.
According to a MoneyToday report republished on Daum, Kim concluded there was nothing more to gain by dragging the case out and withdrew the complaint to put his mind at ease. Asked whether he accepted the apology on good terms, he replied that the apology had been sincere.
Asked about the film role he lost, Kim said it was already too late: “Too much time has passed, so another actor has been cast.” He added: “What’s past is past. What matters now is what lies ahead. It just wasn’t meant to be, with the work.”
The dispute began when MC Mong claimed on a live broadcast that an illegal gambling group involving celebrities existed and named Kim Min-jong as a member. Kim said the 38 years of reputation and trust he had built since his debut were seriously damaged, and his next Hollywood project and ad talks were suspended. No official statement was available from MC Mong’s camp.
The episode aired on October 11. Kim has not announced any new projects in the wake of the controversy.
