Where Is He Today? Goo Hara’s Criminal Ex-Boyfriend Choi Jong Beom

This article is part of our coverage of Burning Sun Scandal. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

KARA‘s Goo Hara is once more under the spotlight following the release of BBC‘s documentary about the Burning Sun scandal. Her involvement was greater than reported, helping unveil the policeman protecting the Burning Sun group.

koohara___57570286_694046591011176_522040860949959266_n — KARA’s Goo Hara | *@koohara__/Instagram*

Hara’s motive for doing so was to help victims like her. She was also a victim of molka (illegal filming) as her ex-boyfriend Choi Jong Beom had threatened to reveal intimate photos of her. Footage of the singer begging him on her knees in front of her apartment elevator went viral, showing him refusing to listen to her pleas.

He was put on trial for assaulting and threatening the late singer in September 2018 and was given a light “18-month suspended sentence with 3 years probation” on August 29, 2019.

Goo Hara’s legal team appealed this decision and he was sentenced to one year in prison at the final ruling in October 2020. Though he was sentenced to prison, the court ruled that he was still innocent since he was in a relationship with Goo Hara at the time.

Prior to this assault case, Choi Jong Beom was a successful hairdresser and salon owner. He was also popular for his good looks, being nicknamed the “Yoo Ah In” of his town.

Even after the initial ruling in 2019, he continued his life like usual. He even opened a new salon in May 2019 and apologized for causing worry to his loved ones. He was sorry for “causing such a deep disappointment” to his peers and promised to do his best as a hairdresser.

I want to sincerely apologize for causing so many people worry. I wasn’t able to respond to messages from friends, acquaintances, and people who love me because my KakaoTalk account is gone. I apologize once again for making so many people worry for so long and for causing disappointment. I want to live in repentance for causing such deep disappointment to my peers who trusted and worked with me, the people who supported me, and my family.

With this kind of heart and with the help and support of others, I’ve been able to open up a salon after all this time. I’m lacking in a lot of ways, but as always, I’ll do my best as a beautician.

— Choi Jong Beom

Following the backlash he received for promoting his hair salon on social media, he turned its Instagram page as well as his own account private.

Not much is known about his current whereabouts. As of 2021, however, he has been embroiled in a legal battle against malicious commenters. He won his first trial in March against one of the nine netizens that he singled out during his assault case.

He lost the second trial in July 2021.

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