Omega X Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations, Claims Former CEO Demanded Excessive Intimacy

▲ This photo provided by Spire Entertainment shows Omega X. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Omega X's agency, IPQ, on Wednesday flatly denied the forced sexual harassment allegations against the former CEO of their previous agency, Spire Entertainment.

 

In a statement released on the afternoon of the 20th, IPQ claimed, "The CCTV footage from the drinking session was not a gathering to relieve the concerns of members who were about to enlist in the military, as alleged by the executives of the agency, but rather a gathering orchestrated by senior executives of the agency as usual."

 

Spire Entertainment had previously held a press conference where they claimed that CCTV footage had been forensically restored, showing Hwichan inappropriately touching the body of former Spire Entertainment chief surnamed Kang.

 

However, IPQ stated, "During the contract period, Kang and the current CEO, Hwang Sung-woo, repeatedly forced members to attend drinking sessions," adding, "Members were filled with fear of retaliation, such as exclusion from album activities or restrictions on styling and activities if they refused Kang's excessive demands for affection and physical contact."

 

IPQ argued that on the day the problematic CCTV was recorded, Kang had allegedly grabbed Hwichan, claiming, "Kang grabbed Hwichan, saying he had something to say." Spire Entertainment had explained the gathering as a session to listen to Hwichan's concerns about his military enlistment, but IPQ refuted, stating, "It doesn't make sense that Hwichan, who hadn't received his draft notice, would express concerns about enlisting."

 

Especially noteworthy was IPQ's claim that "After other members and employees left, Kang demanded Hwichan's usual excessive affection and physical contact. Fearing threats, violence, and verbal abuse if he didn't comply, Hwichan had no choice but to follow instructions."

 

IPQ demanded that Spire Entertainment "publicly release all CCTV footage from the day of and the day after the incident without editing" and requested the release of additional materials such as footage from the second-floor conference room and corridor, as well as the entire first floor, to grasp the overall context of the incident.

 

IPQ also announced their intention to counter-sue for false accusations regarding Spire Entertainment's statement the previous day, where they stated they would press charges against Hwichan for forced sexual harassment.

 

▲ Hwang Seong-woo, chief of Omega X's former agency, Spire Entertainment, speaks during a press conference, insisting that the boy group's member Hwichan sexually harassed his female predecessor, surnamed Kang. The photo was taken in Seoul on March 19, 2024. (Yonhap)

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