Korean Theatre Director Lee Yoon-taek Arrested Over Sexual Assaults

Broadwayworld previously reported that Lee Yoon-taek, the artistic director of one of South Korea's most notable theatre companies has been accused of sexual assault and rape.

Now Yonhap News reports the director was arrested today for alleged sexual assault. The site reports "The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for him, citing the seriousness of his alleged crimes and a possibility that he may try to run away."

Allegations have been brought forward by 16 women to state prosecutors seeking an investigation into the director's conduct.

The allegations were initially brought forward by actress Kim Soo-hee, who is currently the head of another theatre company. Per Variety, she alleges that over a twenty year period, Yoon-take had forced numerous actresses to offer him massages.

Another actress, Kim Ji-hyun posted on social media that "In 2005, I was raped by Lee while I was offering him a massage. I got pregnant and had to have an abortion. Lee gave me some KRW2 million ($2,000) and an apology. Later, as the matter became forgotten, he started sexually assaulting me again."

Another actress, Lee Seung-bi, claimed that she suffered professional consequences for refusing Toon-taek's advances.

Read the full Variety report here.