Singer-actor Kim Min Jong has revealed why he withdrew the defamation lawsuit he filed against MC Mong earlier this year.
According to a MyDaily report published on October 12, Kim spoke about the case on the October 11 episode of SBS variety show “My Ugly Duckling,” where his daily life at his new Yangpyeong house was featured.
Kim said MC Mong named him as part of an illegal gambling group during a live broadcast in May. Kim immediately denied the claim and filed a defamation lawsuit, and MC Mong issued an apology four days later. The case stretched on for four months.
Kim explained his decision: “He apologized sincerely. I thought, what would pushing this further even mean? So I withdrew the lawsuit for my own sake.” He said his mental state “kept going up and down” during the period, but added that time has settled things: “What’s past is past, and I believe the future will be better.”
Kim said the controversy dealt a blow to his honor and trust in his 38th year since debut, and that talks for a Hollywood film project and advertising deals were suspended. He also revealed that a planned film has since cast another actor — a project its director had prepared for three years.
With the matter behind him, Kim said he has chosen to look forward rather than dwell on the past.
