Band vocalist Na Sang-hyun (30) admits to alleged sexual misconduct
Na Sang-hyun (30), the lead vocalist of a band bearing his name, has acknowledged allegations of sexual harassment and issued an apology, leading to the band’s exclusion from the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival. The festival organizers announced the cancellation on their official channel, citing “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason. Na Sang-hyun expressed regret on his social media, stating, “I deeply apologize for the belated response. I unintentionally harmed the victim during a past instance of drinking where I couldn’t recall the specifics clearly. I am even more remorseful that I failed to apologize directly at that moment. Despite the delayed nature of this apology, I still feel compelled to express my regret personally now.” This act culminated in Na Sang-hyun bowing in acknowledgment of the sexual harassment accusations against him. In his plea to refrain from further harming the victim, he declared, “If feasible, please reach out to me through a private message.” He continued, saying, “After significant introspection on my words and actions while under the influence approximately three to four years ago, I have been actively seeking to redress these issues with the support of those around me.” Vowing to engage in deeper reflection and preventative measures, he reiterated his apologies to anyone who may have been disturbed by his actions. “I also extend my apologies to all those who have been following this situation closely. Looking back on the past occurrences, I carry the weight of having acted in a manner incongruent with the values I uphold,” Na Sang-hyun expressed.
The controversy began with an online community post detailing the sexual harassment experienced by Na Sang-hyun’s accuser. The author wrote about a scenario involving tactile misconduct by Na Sang-hyun, leaving the victim in a state of distress. However, the post emphasized the absence of concrete evidence given the private nature of the incident.
Na Sang-hyun’s band’s origins trace back to its formation in 2014 by Na Sang-hyun and Kang Hyun-woong, who had previously connected through the songwriting club Sound Dream at Seoul National University. The band, initially a trio, transitioned into indie music, officially debuting in 2015. Subsequently, Na Sang-hyun gained visibility through appearances on prominent programs such as Mnet’s “The Great Seoul Investigation” and MBC’s “The Masked Singer.”
The band’s exclusion from the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival signifies a significant consequence resulting from Na Sang-hyun’s public admission of sexual harassment and subsequent apology. The episode underscores the importance of accountability and sensitivity towards victims of such misconduct. Na Sang-hyun’s commitment to addressing and preventing similar incidents in the future serves as an essential step towards fostering a culture of respect and integrity within the music industry.